BARRE - Chellis Lee “Lee” Kimball, 58, of Barre, Vermont, passed away on April 8, 2026, at the VA Hospital in White River Junction after a courageous two-year battle with colon cancer.

Born in California on April 25, 1968, Lee spent most of his childhood in Waitsfield, Vermont, where he graduated from Waitsfield High School. In 1986, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country with honor until 1990 and attaining the rank of Lance Corporal.

Lee’s time in the military was marked by both distinction and respect. He was selected to attend Army Ranger School as a junior enlisted Marine—an uncommon honor—and earned numerous awards and commendations. He served in Operations Just Cause in Panama and Sharp Edge in Liberia and was known among both his superiors and fellow Marines as someone dependable, capable, and deeply respected.

After his honorable discharge, Lee made his home in Barre, Vermont, where he built a life rooted in hard work, friendship, and family. He was married to Julie Barslow (later divorced), and together they raised two daughters, Ashton and Alexa, who were the center of his world. Lee was a devoted and attentive father, and nothing mattered more to him than his girls.

In 2012, Lee founded Vermont Pro Builders LLC, where he worked for many years as a skilled framing contractor on residential and commercial projects across Vermont and New Hampshire. He took pride in his craft and in the relationships, he built along the way, including his close friendship and partnership with Jamie O’Keefe, who worked alongside him for many years.

Outside of work, Lee found his greatest joy in the outdoors—bird hunting, fishing, and gathering around a campfire with good food and good company. He was known as an exceptional grill master and a generous host, always happiest when surrounded by friends and family.

Lee was fiercely loyal to those he loved, and that loyalty was returned to him many times over. He maintained close bonds with friends and his fellow Marines throughout his life, relationships that meant a great deal to him.

In 2025, Lee was baptized and confirmed as a Catholic, a faith that became a source of strength and comfort during his illness.

Lee is survived by his daughters, Ashton, and Alexa Kimball, as well as many close friends and Marine brothers who will miss him deeply. He was predeceased by his parents Allen and Betty (Alexander) Kimball.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the VA Hospital in White River Junction for the care and compassion they provided, especially his infusion nurses, Alisha, Jen, and Mai Lynn, whose kindness meant so much to him.

A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Augustine’s Church in Montpelier at a later date. A celebration of Lee’s life and burial at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph will take place in the spring at the discretion of the family.

Lee will be remembered for his strength, his loyalty, his generosity, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.