Walter James Lee Moran, Sr., 78, Manvel, ND, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN with family by his side.

Walter James Lee Moran, Sr., the son of Lyle James and Eileen (Foerster) Moran was born August 22, 1941 in Grafton, ND. He was the second of four children to Lyle and Eileen Moran. He moved with his family from Forest River, ND to Manvel, ND where he attended Manvel School. Lee enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961. After training, 1963, he was stationed in Newfoundland & the Azores as a Ground Based Air Traffic Controller during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his tour, 1964, he was transferred to the 319th Bomb Wing (SAC) at the Grand Forks Air Force Base where he was honorably discharged. Lee was a 50-year member of the American Legion Post #299 in Manvel, ND. He served several terms as Commander, Service Officer & was a proud member of the Honor Guard. He was a heavy equipment operator for Gowan Construction, Molstad Excavating, Plummer Excavating, & was an over the road semi driver for Vern Hagen Trucking and Dick Bellerud Trucking. Lee was a self-employed owner/operator truck driver for numerous years & then worked for Tom Gowan Construction until his retirement. Lee married Randina A. Braaten in 1962. Together they had five children; Carey Lee, Melanie Lynn, Brett Wade, Lori Ann and Dawn Ranae. He married Sandra I. Heintze in 1968. They had one son, Lee James "LJ" Moran, Jr. and a stepson Troy Heintze.

Lee is survived by one brother, Robert "Bob" (Donna) Moran, Tehachapi, CA, and sister in law Cathy Moran, Austin, TX. His children Carey Moran, Mekinock, ND, his daughter Megan, son Gavin, Melanie Grinde, Grand Forks, ND, her sons, Cody and Dylan, Brett Moran, Castalian Springs, TN, Lori (Michael) Chumley, Keller, TX, their daughter Gabrielle, Dawn Acker, Glyndon, MN, her son Jaxson, and L.J. Moran, Jr., Minto, ND, & 4 nieces, 1 nephew. Lee was preceded in death by his grandparents; Walter & Ada Mae Morin, Stephen & Veronica Foerster, & Andrew & Annette Olson. His father, Lyle Moran, mother, Eileen, stepfather Donald W. Olson, his sister, Jane Moran, & brother, John "Travis" Moran.

Lee enjoyed driving his semi-truck & taking scenery pictures along his journeys. He often told stories of the many miles he put on driving throughout the United States & the nice people he friended along the way. He rode several Harley Davidson motorcycles throughout his life & enjoyed riding with his cousins, son & daughter in his later years. His love of classic country music was well known to all by his thousands of downloaded songs on his computer & number of concerts he attended. Lee was a man of many words & wasn't afraid to express his views and opinions.

Upon Lee's request his remains have been bequeathed to the Deeded Body Program, Department of Basic Sciences at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Good Sam Heritage Village, EGF, MN, Villa St. Vincent, Crookston, MN, & Altru Hospice for their care & support. Flowers & memorials may be sent to St. Timothy's Church, 1207 Oldham Ave, Manvel, ND 58256.

Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2019 at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, Manvel, ND.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Interment: St. Timothy's Catholic Cemetery, Manvel, ND, at a later date.