Lee Tobey, 65, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

He was born March 18, 1947, in Decatur, Ill., to Hal and Gloria (nee Baumruck) Tobey.

Lee moved to the Englewood area 11 years ago from Eagan, Minn. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and a Bronze Star Recipient. Lee was past president of the Vietnow Chapter of Englewood, Fla., and very active in various Vietnam Veteran Organizations. He was also an Eagle Scout. Lee was a magician and a balloon artisan; he was known as “The Balloon Man of Englewood,” and would attend many events in Englewood creating balloon figures.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; stepdaughter, Jessica Taylor of Lincoln, Neb.; mother, Gloria Tobey of Catasauqua, Pa.; brothers, Brian Tobey of Belleville, Ill., and Scott Tobey of Catasauqua; and cousin, Todd Schindler of Shorewood, Minn.

Funeral services and burial will be at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Suncoast Humane Society of Englewood. You may express your condolences to the family at www.lemonbayfh.com.

Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services.