Lee R Gallaher

Lee R. Gallaher, age 90, of Payson, IL went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 17, 2026.  He was born on February 24, 1935 in Barry, IL to Ray and Leola (Wright) Gallaher.  He married Shirley Kelly on December 5, 1954 in Barry, IL and she preceded him in death on January 8, 2007.

Lee graduated from Barry High School and entered the United States Air Force in 1957 and served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1961.  After the service he worked at Electric Wheel as a forklift operator until its closure.  He went on to the receive his CNA Certificate and worked at the Quinsippi Nursing Home for over 13 years until his retirement.

Lee was a longtime and faithful member of the House of Prayer in Kinderhook, IL and was also a member of the Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship, where he ministered to several prisons over the years.  Lee was always ready to lead someone to the Lord, reading the Bible daily sometimes more than once.   In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting, and building model airplanes and rockets.  He loved tending to his vegetable garden each year, and always planted a large strawberry patch.  Lee loved his dogs, but he loved his family the most.  He enjoyed the yearly Wright family reunions and just spending time with his family.  He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother.  He was a man of integrity, and touched many lives over the years with God’s word and as the Bible says he was a Good and Faithful Servant.

Lee is survived by his three daughters, Debbie (Jerry Coram) Catterson of Plainville, IL, Sandra (Jeff) Waters of Payson, IL and Teresa (Rodney) Stephens of Camp Point, IL; grandchildren, Cheryl Fish, Danielle Catterson, Samantha (Nick Ashner) Catterson, Brittany Waters, Zachary Waters, Tyler (Kelsey) Meado, Jordan Meado, Devin Meado, and granddaughter-in-law, Stephanie Meyer; 17 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Skaflestad of Hoonah, Alaska; a niece, two nephews, and several cousins. Special friend John Coram, who along with his brother Jerry, provided extra special care, love and support.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley; one grandson, Brandon Meyer; and brother-in-law, Erling Skaflestad.

Funeral service will be held on Friday January 23, 2026 at 1:00PM at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL with interment to follow at the Park Lawn Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Thursday January 22, 2026 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the Park Lawn Cemetery or the Quincy Humane Society.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.

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