Born on February 18, 1970, to Dwayne and Jeanne (Runyon) Lee, Alan lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Dwayne Lee, and his daughter, Meggan Benson.
Alan leaves behind the love of his life and wife, Jeannie (Pope) Lee, whom he married on March 3, 2012. He is also survived by his mother, Jeanne Lee; his children, Kyle Benson and wife Brianna, and Brandie Catton and husband Joseph, his sister, Shawna Wright and husband Jason, his nephew AJ, his in-laws, Deed and George Gillis, and his greatest treasures, his grandchildren, Jace, Kaden, and Landyn.
Alan worked for ATS at Caterpillar and was a proud third-degree Mason with the Farmington Masonic Lodge. He was known by everyone as the person who could fix anything. If a part didn’t exist, he would build it. A gifted welder, fabricator, and tinkerer, Alan turned metal into art and problems into solutions. There seemed to be no subject, trade, or skill he didn’t know something about, and he was always willing to share that knowledge with anyone who needed help.
Helping others wasn’t simply something Alan did, it was who he was. He never waited to be asked. If someone needed a hand, he was already on his way. Whether it was fixing a vehicle, repairing a home, solving a problem, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Alan gave his time, talents, and heart freely.
Alan had a wonderful sense of humor and could find something to laugh about in almost any situation. He loved family gatherings, spending time with those he loved, and being at home surrounded by family. He enjoyed mowing his yard, especially when the grandchildren were riding along, admired John Deere tractors, and cheered faithfully for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Alan was deeply patriotic, having served in the Air Force in 1990, he took great pride in his country. The Fourth of July was one of his favorite days of the year. No matter his age, fireworks made him light up with the excitement of a child, and he looked forward to celebrating with a backyard of family every chance he could. He also had a special admiration for eagles, seeing in them a symbol of the freedom, strength, and spirit he cherished.
He had a special place in his heart for his beloved fur babies, especially his cherished baby boy, Gibbs, his German Shepherd, who brought him endless companionship and joy.
Of all the roles Alan held in life, none brought him greater joy than being Papaw. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he embraced every moment he spent with them. To them, he was not simply a grandfather, he was their biggest supporter, their playmate, their teacher, and their safe place. He will forever be remembered as the best Papaw.
Above all else, Alan was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. He stepped in when he didn’t have to. He loved fiercely, fought for the people he cared about, and never let his family face life’s challenges alone. The memory he leaves behind is not measured by what he built with his hands, but by the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, humor, and love. He was loved more than anyone could possibly know, and he will be missed more than ever.
A Masonic service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., with a funeral service immediately following. Cremation rites have been accorded.
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