Garald E. Lees, 60, of Harrisonville, Missouri, died Friday, September 11, 2009 at his home in Harrisonville. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Cass County Elks Lodge #2791, 2401 North MO Highway 291 in Harrisonville. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the lodge. Contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Garald was born August 12, 1949 in East Lynne, MO, the son of Edward O. and Ruth E. (Hayes) Lees. Garald had lived in Pleasant Hill, MO before moving to Harrisonville in 1971. He was a lifelong Cass County resident and a 1967 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School. Garald was united in marriage to Cindy Shepherd on February 26, 1972.

Garald was a machine operator for Hallmark Cards at the Kansas City Plant for 32 years before retiring in 2000. He was a charter member of the Cass County Elks Lodge #2791, Harrisonville, MO; he was Elk of the Year in 1996; Lecturing Knight, 1997-1998; Loyal Knight, 1998-1999; Leading Knight, 1999-2000 and Exalted Ruler, 2000-2001. He was also a Missouri State District Officer serving as Chaplain, 2001-2002, Director, 2002-2003 and Vice President, 2003-2004; and was a National officer serving as Esquire to DDGER from 2004-2005 and DDGER from 2005-2006. Garald was named Missouri Elk of the Year for 2006-2007.

Garald was also a member of the NRA. He had a huge collection of guns and had previously worked part-time at two different local gun shops. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting and especially big game hunting, taking two safaris to Zimbabwe. He had been on numerous other big game hunts in the United States. Garald also loved riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed helping other people and making new friends.

Garald was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Lees, of the home; two brothers, Tony Lees and William Sidney Lees, both of Harrisonville; two nephews and three nieces.