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Jay Kevin Lessen

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[June 09, 2016]  SPRINGFIELD - Jay Kevin Lessen, 56, of Springfield, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center with his family by his side.

Visitation:  4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home

Service:  10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home

Funeral home:  Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield

Obituary

Jay Kevin Lessen, 56, of Springfield, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center with his family by his side.

Kevin was the son of James B. Lessen and Elaine Burwell Lessen Butler. He was born in Lincoln, IL on June 30, 1959.

Kevin graduated from Lincoln Community High School in 1977. Kevin married Sondra Winterbauer on December 15, 1984 in Lincoln. During their 31 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling – especially to Biloxi, MS – where they loved the ocean. Kevin and Sondra were blessed with one daughter, Amber Lessen Helmkamp who was the light of her father’s eyes.

Kevin was a truck driver for most of his career. He spent 10 years delivering US Mail from hub to hub – most recently with Ursa Logistics. He spent 24 years with Bunn Capitol/Capital City Paper in Springfield. He participated twice in the Truck Driving Rodeo Nationals which is a contest for professional truck driving skills.

People who knew Kevin would describe him as a loyal, compassionate friend with a huge heart. He could generally be found helping someone with home repair, yard maintenance or other handy work. Friends in need could depend on Kevin to lend an ear and help however possible. Family was extremely important to Kevin. Ashton Joseph, his grandson, was the love of his life and brightened the days. He and Sondra’s nieces and nephews absolutely loved Uncle Kevin and have lost an amazing role model. He was a licensed small aircraft pilot and enjoyed taking family and friends for rides around Logan County – he especially loved to show the kids their homes from the air. On the weekends, you could find Kevin and Sondra in the air going to breakfast via air transportation. Kevin also enjoyed fishing, camping and boating with family and friends – particularly at Jim Edgar Panther Creek near Chandlerville. Kevin also enjoyed shooting firearms and was a pretty good shot.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, James B. Lessen and step-mother, Joyce Lessen.

Funeral Director

He is survived by his wife, Sondra Lessen of Springfield; one daughter, Amber (Adam) Helmkamp and grandson Ashton Joseph Helmkamp, all of Springfield; and mother, Elaine (Phil) Butler of Beason. Additionally, Kevin and Sondra’s siblings survive: Kent (Sue) Lessen of Hoffman Estates, Karen (Rick) Harris of Chestnut, Kim (Mike) Florey of Beason, Don (Greta Winterbauer) of Lincoln, and Karen (Gail) Davison of Middletown, plus 14 nieces and nephews.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following visitation.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Memorial Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home.

Burial will be held at Hartsburg Union Cemetery in Hartsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kevin Lessen Grandchildren Memorial Education Fund.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

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