Lee Carl Shell, age 88, passed away December 9, 2025 at his home in Sikeston, MO.

He was born December 27, 1936 in Sikeston, MO, son of the late Leman Alvie Shell and Marie Alma Collins-Shell.

Lee was a lifelong resident of Sikeston and a devoted member of First Baptist Church. He served his country faithfully, spending three years in the National Guard and another six years in the Reserves. Lee began his professional career at J.C. Penney's before moving into the banking industry, where he worked for Planters Bank-which later became First National Bank, Bank of Sikeston, Mercantile Bank, and First Midwest Bank-and eventually for Sabona of London until his retirement. Even after retiring, he continued serving his community by working part-time at Ponder Funeral Home.

Lee had a well-known love for keeping his vehicles spotless, clean, and shiny, no matter the weather. He enjoyed mowing his yard and was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors by mowing theirs when needed. His love of sports and pride in being a Sikeston "Bulldog" took him to countless hometown basketball and football games, where he loved visiting with friends in the same section year after year. Eventually, he became part of the Sikeston Bulldog Chain Gang, out on the field and loving every minute of it.

Tennis and quail hunting were among his greatest passions. He also enjoyed riding his bike, fishing, Bible study, Big 8 Sikeston Football, playing baseball, and most of all, spending time with his beloved bird dogs. Over the years, Lee served on the Sikeston School Board, as Mayor of Sikeston, and as past president of the Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the Hall of Fame Sikeston High School Football Team and a proud Sikeston Wall of Fame inductee.

Lee not only had a deep love of serving his community, he deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren which blessed him late in life and the entire Shell family which was more than evident over his life.

On May 6, 1955 he was married to Carol Jane Moody-Shell, the love of his life and high school sweetheart, she survives of the home.

He is also survived by one son, David Lee (Sarah Ellen) Shell of Cape Girardeau, MO; two daughters, Melanie Sanders and Caroline Elaine (Larry) Carroll both of Sikeston; four grandchildren, Meghann Rebecca (Nick) Potter, and Alexander David Shell both of St. Louis, MO, Madeline Jane (Kyle) Cate of Oxford, MS, and Dylan LeWayne Carroll of Sikeston, MO; and three great-grandchildren, Everett Ryan Potter, Lowen Eleanor Cate, and Hudson Robert Potter.

In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by one brother, Bill Shell.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Sikeston on December 15th beginning at 11:00 a.m., until the time of services at 1:00 p.m. Services are under the care of Ponder Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to quailforever.org, Sikeston Public Schools Foundation; https://givebutter.com/Hb0KAw 1002 Virginia Street, Sikeston, MO 63801, or First Baptist Church of Sikeston; 1101 N Main, Sikeston, MO 63801.