Lee Michael Knaus, 44, of Texico, Illinois, passed away at 2:01 am November 20, 2022 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. He was born September 9, 1978 in Springfield, Illinois to Edgar and Donna Jean “Jeany” (Bridges) Knaus.

In addition to his parents, Lee is survived by his brother-in-law, Alan Keele; and aunts and uncles, Don (Jon Jee) Keller of Doraville, Georgia, Joyce McAfee-Sebring of Springfield, Illinois, Joe (Debbie) Gibson of Allen, Texas, Mike (Bonnie) Gibson of Rochester, Indiana, and Shannon (Duane) Woods of Tallahassee, Florida.

Lee was preceded in death by his sister, Lana (Knaus) Keele; uncle, Bob Gibson; and grandparents, Ruby Hart, Kathryn Posner, and Dean and Katherine Bridges.

Lee graduated from Mount Vernon High School. He earned an Associates degree from Rend Lake College and a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. His major was glassblowing and ceramics. He graduated cum laude.

Lee had numerous friends that he loved like family. He enjoyed spending time with them. Art was his passion. Lee also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He lived his life to the fullest. Lee had a wonderful sense of humor. He also had an adventurous spirit. He parachuted, wake boarded and surfed. Lee built teepee’s and camped in them with his friends. He was generous and loved giving his art to friends and family.

Memorials may be made in Lee’s memory to Cystinosis Research Network and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Per his wishes, Lee will be cremated and no public services will be held at this time.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.