Lee Franklin East

Lee F. East passed peacefully from this earth into the full presence of Jesus on Friday, July 13 following an extended battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by all who know him.
Lee was born to Sarah and Harry East on May 20, 1932 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Amity High School in 1950 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1952-56 as a gun turret technician on B-45 bombers with the 85th Bomb Squadron out of Sculthorpe, England. After his time in the Air Force Lee worked for Firestone Tires, which brought him and his family to Hopewell in 1960. Once Firestone’s nylon plant closed, Lee was employed by the City of Hopewell where he oversaw maintenance of the city’s buildings and grounds for 12 years.
Following his salvation experience in 1978, Lee grew into a well-respected teacher of the Bible and church leader. During the course of his ministry he personally mentored many individuals, led Bible studies, taught Sunday School, coached softball, served on deacon boards, sang in choirs, preached, traveled on mission trips, and enthusiastically worked in many other roles. He had been a member of Liberty Baptist Church for the past 25 years.
Lee is preceded in death by his father, Harry East (1933); wife, Shirley East (1978); father, Francis Underkofler (1984); sister, Jean Moatz (2000); mother, Sarah Underkofler (2005).
Lee is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Macon East. He is further survived by children: Charles Simmons and wife Nancy plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Gale Rowland and husband Joe plus grandchild and great-grandchild; Cheryl Peters and husband Mike plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Dan East and wife Michelle plus grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Fred Underkofler and wife Dolores, of Reading, Pennsylvania along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive guests on Wednesday, July 18 at Liberty Baptist Church in Hopewell at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life service will be held immediately after at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Phil Andrews will conduct the service. Interment will take place following the service in Bermuda Memorial Park. J.T. Morriss and Son of Hopewell is directing the funeral. The family requests that donations be made to Liberty Baptist Church in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .