Lee McLean, Jr., a visionary entrepreneur whose work over the course of 70 years helped shape the city of Springfield, Missouri passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, with his two beloved children at his side. He was 101.5 years old.

Born on February 3, 1924, to Lee McLean, Sr. and Pauline "Willie" McLean, Lee was the eldest of five children. Growing up on a farm in Springfield, Missouri during the Great Depression, he showed an early gift for business—selling Liberty Magazine for five cents at age six and later trading livestock and pigeons. The only boy in grade school who wore slacks, a collared shirt, and a tie, Lee's individuality, confidence and determination were on display at an early age.

After graduating from Senior High School (now Central High) and completing a year at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State), Lee was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. Drawing on his experience driving farm equipment, he trained fellow soldiers to drive tanks.

After the war, Lee returned home eager for opportunity. A friend introduced him to a tire manufacturing venture in Arkansas, which provided him with a year of valuable business experience and $6,000 in savings. He invested those earnings into his first piece of construction equipment, launching an entrepreneurial career that would leave a lasting mark on Southwest Missouri. Over the decades, he built partnerships and around 40 businesses across several industries including construction, hospitality, real estate, and ranching—developing portions of major roads including Chestnut Expressway, Sunshine Street, and Grant Avenue; constructing buildings such as the Lily-Tulip Building (now part of SRC); and partnering with his friend and neighbor, John Q. Hammons, in the development of the Southern Hills Subdivision and Shopping Center.

His hospitality businesses went on to develop 27 hotels across the Midwest and as far as San Francisco, including his flagship Howard Johnson headquarters in Springfield, now known as the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. He also founded two beloved local restaurants, Ebenezers and Steer N' Stein. At their peak, his companies employed around 1,500 people. Though reluctant to seek recognition, he was nonetheless awarded the Springfieldian of the Year Award in 1986 and the Pinnacle Award for lifetime achievement in promoting Springfield tourism in 2006. His love for his work and his hometown never faded; even in his centenarian years, he still went into the office several times a week and met friends often for lunch at his favorite neighborhood establishments.

With an insatiable curiosity, Lee was an avid reader drawn to a wide range of subjects—from birds and human nature to current events, the natural world, and the pleasures of food and wine (though his favorite food was simply ice cream). But he didn't just read—he lived his interests. He traveled often with friends and colleagues to New York City, ventured to Europe from time to time, joined the weeklong Los Rancheros Visitadores trail rides in California, and became a collector of Native American and Western art.

Among all of his dynamic pursuits, however, ranching remained his greatest passion. In 1949, he began acquiring land outside Willard, MO, gradually assembling what became McLean Ranches, an 8,000-acre horse and cattle operation that even housed exotic animals such as zebras, ostriches, and buffalo. Lee loved ranch life—the friendships it fostered, the study of bloodlines, the buying and selling of herds, and the simple joy of driving the property to take in the livestock and scenery. He also delighted in sharing the ranch with others, hosting annual livestock sales that doubled as community gatherings and grand celebrations. In 1975, Lee made the ranch his permanent home, hiring local architect Don Russel to build a distinctive home from reclaimed wood salvaged from seven barns—well before such practices became fashionable. At first, the home served as a lively gathering place for friends, colleagues, and even the occasional celebrity, including Tom Brokaw and John Wayne. In later years, it became the heart of family life, where two generations of McLean children grew up.

As remarkable as Lee's life was, his jovial nature and genuine character were even more extraordinary. Full of life, wit, and fun, he had a way of lifting the spirits of everyone around him. Beneath his easy charm was a will of steel and an unwavering optimism that gave him the courage to take risks—and inspired others to do the same. He was quick with a laugh, loved a good tease, and carried a generosity that matched his ambition. To many, he was not only a businessman, but also a mentor and friend. One of his favorite gestures was sending newspaper clippings to those featured in them, a small act of encouragement that reflected his big-hearted nature.

Despite these accomplishments, Lee's proudest role was that of father and "Grampy." Lee is survived by his children, Lee McLean III (Cheyenne) and Toni McLean German (Josh), along with his cherished grandchildren: Lee Hudson McLean IV, Lila Jane McLean, Maci Elizabeth McLean, Morris Lee German, Alden Scott German; and his former wife and mother of his children, Elaine McLean. He is also survived by his brother, Doug McLean. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Helen Williams, Betty Fritts, and Martha Sturgell.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at 9:00 AM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 AM. A private burial will take place afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to two of Lee's favorite causes: The Nature Conservancy of Missouri or Junior Achievement of Southwest Missouri.

The Service will was live streamed and can be accessed by clicking here .