Earl Lee Rister, 71, of Carmi, Illinois, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, Illinois. He was born Friday, September 17, 1954, in Carmi, Illinois, the son of Marvin and Maxine (Day) Rister. On June 27, 1975, he married Vanessa Ziegler at the home of his parents in Carmi, and together they shared over fifty years of marriage.
Lee was retired, having worked for many years as a Quality Engineer at Berry Global Plastics Fabrication in Princeton, Indiana. He enjoyed reading, listening to a variety of music and was an avid baseball fan and could often be found watching and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.
Lee was well thought of amongst his family, friends and co-workers, who described him as likeable, caring and a good boss. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Lee cherished his family and loved spending time with them.
Along with his wife, Vanessa Rister of Carmi, Lee is survived by a son and daughter-in-law Bryson and Jennifer Rister of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Preston Rister, Olivia Rister and Elliott Rister; sister and brother-in-law, Melinda and Monty Applin and several nieces and nephews.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, a son Nathan Lee Rister, a sister, Janice McKay and his mother-in law and father in-law, Vera and Fred Ziegler
A private celebration of Lee’s life will be held at a later time. Roberts and Cook Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.
