Maurice Lee Day

Maurice Lee Day, age 72 of Salem, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022 in his residence.  Born October 2, 1949 in Salem, he was the son of the late Harry L. and Geneva (Fleenor) Day.
Maurice Lee called Washington County his life time home having graduated from Salem high School in 1967 and then committing to carry on the Day family's agricultural and societal legacy in Salem. His childhood love of horses, cattle and agricultural science made him a natural and talented career farmer, whom loved encouraging others to explore that passion through his position as president of the Washington county fair board and role with both the Cattleman's and Sheep's Association.

Outside of his agricultural pursuits, Maurice lee was also a spirited auctioneer, savvy real estate broker and reliable appraiser, as well as playing countless other valuable unaccredited roles in town.  He was a lifelong learner who graduated from Ivy Tech's Real Estate program and Reppert Auction School to perfect his additional passions.

Maurice Lee was a true pillar of his community, dutifully serving as a founding member and president of the Canton Lions Club and member of the Salem Masonic Lodge #21 F.&A.M., County Elections Board and attended the Salem United Methodist Church and the Canton Christian Church. Within these organizations, he was active, never passively waiting for things to occur, but instead pushing for change, planning experiences and advocating for the betterment of his community.  For those who simply crossed his path, he improved at least their day but for those within his circle, he improved their life.

To live in Salem is to know Maurice Lee, he found immense joy in connecting his community and always brought positive, genuine care for all and a great story to every table.  He will not only be missed for the unmistakable impact he left on his beloved town but for the love he shared as a son, father, husband, uncle, brother and friend.

Maurice Lee is survived by: his nieces and nephews, Nancy Juin, Anthony Barringer, Max Day and Susan Demeter; his children Bethany Gelbrich and Timothy Jordan; his grandsons Oren and Heath Gelbrich and granddaughter Trinity Jordan; his grand nieces Annabelle, Annelyse and Annemarie Juin and Stephanie Demeter and grandnephews: Cullen Barringer and Steven Demeter.

Despite the distance, Maurice Lee always embraced time with his family, sharing in memories of graduations, weddings and all the county fairs in between.  Throughout his life he honored the memory of his late wife Connie L. Garriott, who passed away in 2001.  He is also preceded in death by: a brother Byron Day, a sister Kathryn Barringer and a nephew Phillip Scott Day.

Maurice Lee was laid to rest in Franklin Cemetery and there will be a Community Celebration of His Life to be announced in the coming months.

Memorial donations in honor of Maurice Lee should be made to the:
Canton Lions Club
C/O Linda Scott
4399 East Canton Road, Salem, IN 47167

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