Col. (Ret) Virgil Lee Iiams (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Colonel (Retired) Virgil “Lee” Iiams was born September 15, 1950 in Warrensburg, Missouri. Colonel Iiams graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1968. He received his bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University and Master’s Degree from Drury University.
Colonel Iiams spent over 40 years serving the United States Army. He started his service in 1969 and retired from Active Duty in 2001. During this time he served as a Field Artillery Noncommissioned Officer and Construction Engineer Officer, with his active duty career culminating as the Director of International Affairs for the National Guard Bureau. After retiring from active duty, he continued serving as a civilian instructor for the Army until he completely retired in 2013. During his 40 years of service, he worked in, traveled to, and lived in over 50 countries and six continents.
In 1975 he married Carolyn Allison of Carrollton, Missouri. Together, they had two children, both of whom followed in their father’s footsteps, proudly serving the United States Army to this day. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Iiams; his brother and his wife, Ernie and Marie Iiams; his two sons and their wives, Eddie and Laura Iiams and Zachary and Amber Iiams; four grandchildren: Cailin, Phoenix, Oakley, Nova Iiams, his loving niece, Katie Iiams; and his brother-in-law, Terry Anderson.
Virgil’s passing was preceded by his mother, Lila Iiams, in 2009, his father, Ernest Iiams, in 2011 and his sister, Bonnie Anderson, in 2016.
Colonel Iiams final resting place will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
What’s your fondest memory of Col. (Ret) Virgil?
What’s a lesson you learned from Col. (Ret) Virgil?
Share a story where Col. (Ret) Virgil's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Col. (Ret) Virgil you’ll never forget.
How did Col. (Ret) Virgil make you smile?

