Lester “Lee”Cloninger, 84, of Helena, passed away December 31, 2015 from an extended illness.
Lee was born December 12, 1931 in Bozeman, Montana to Mother, Effie Cloninger and Father, Lester Cloninger. He lived in Bozeman and Helena, Montana.
Lee was a graduate of Bozeman high school and Montana State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955, a Korean War veteran. Lee married Lola McHenry in 1959 in Bozeman, Montana.
After college Lee went to work for the State of Montana Department of Transportation. He was state traffic engineer and retired after 32 years.
Lee was active in the American Legion Baseball program. He served as chairman of the baseball executive committee. He was very proud to have the annual, “Cloninger Classic”, baseball tournament created in his honor. He held many positions in the American Legion Post 6. Bowling was also one of his favorite sports, bowling a perfect 300 game at Capital City Bowl in 1987. Lee was an avid camper, hunter and fisherman.
Lee is survived by his wife Lola of 56 years; son, Leonard (Carol); daughters, Helen Curtis (Gary), Susan Keltner (Shawn), and Julie Lavalley (Jeff); and two special people, Cinda and Bill Eichenfels. Lee is also survived by many grandchildren, great -grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, three sisters and two brothers.
A viewing will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Forestvale Cemetery following the reception.
Memorials in Lee’s name are suggested to charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Lee.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 4, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the reception
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 4, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the reception
Tuesday January 5, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Erv & Carol Kent says
Lola and family,
We are sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Glen Cuchine says
The Cloninger families,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. It was certainly a pleasure to meet Lee on several occasions and enjoy several of his stories. May the many wonderful memories you of have of this special guy sustain you during this sad time. xo, Glen
Joe Mueller says
Lola and Family,
Lee was one of the most humble and thoughtful guys I have known. I enjoyed working with him at the baseball park. His behind the scenes efforts have had a long term positive affect on hundreds of young men and their families. He’s one of the good ones.