Lester Steven “Steve” Reece passed away on Dec. 15, 2021 after a short battle with cancer.
Steve was born on Feb. 6, 1951 in Nyssa to Lester and Marjorie “Jean” Reece.
He grew up in the Fruitland Parma area, graduating in 1969 from Fruitland High School. After graduation, Steve joined the Idaho National Guards Troop C, 1st Squadron, 116th Armored Cavalry Regiment and served six years. Later he worked several managerial jobs until he moved to Irrigon in 1986, where he began work at Eastern Oregon Farming Company, working his way up to managerial positions as shop and eventually alfalfa manager. It was at Eastern Oregon Farm Company that Steve met and married the love of his life, Theresa Proctor-Reece. Together, they built a wonderful loving life with daughter, Whitley Sharp.
In 1993, Steve began work for RD Offutt growing potatoes, eventually becoming a farm manager. He was a dedicated worker and enjoyed people. His love for farming and fabrication with metal suited him well. Steve was a man of many talents. He could MacGyver and fix most anything.
In 1999, Steve and his family moved to Boardman to their dream home. And home was where Steve loved being the most. He was often seen sitting on the porch waving to the neighbors or out on his John Deere mower grooming his lawn. There was no place like home.
Steve later in his career took a job closer to home, working for the Port of Morrow in the maintenance department, which he retired from in 2012. Steve enjoyed learning. He was an avid reader of history and was an encyclopedia of facts and knowledge. His memory was incredible. His storytelling and jokes kept the family in tears.
Steve loved animals and boy, did they love him. Throughout his life, he surrounded himself with dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, and more. It wasn’t unusual to see him on his recliner with a lapful of dogs watching his favorite shows.
Steve loved cars and grew up learning from the best, his dad, Lester. His favorite car was a 1934 Ford Coupe, but his little 2005 SSR Chevrolet pickup was a close tie. You would often find Steve and Theresa sporting around town or enjoying rides in the country as they spent time together.
Steve was a dedicated husband and father. He loved his family more than life itself. He was Theresa and Whitley’s biggest supporter. He was so proud of all their accomplishments and shared their love for horses. He helped make their dreams come true.
Steve loved his wife, Theresa with all his heart. He was her biggest fan. His saying was he would love her forever and a day. They spent 34 happy years together sharing so many adventures, but the best accomplishment was raising their beautiful daughter, Whitley Sharp. She made her dad so proud. She was the sparkle in his eye. He was so happy when she met and married her match, Jared Sharp, DVM.
Steve will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Theresa; his daughter, Whitley (Jared Sharp); his beloved sisters, Sharon (Bill) Walker and Donna (Jim) Stanton; along with many nieces and nephews whom he considered a special part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Marjorie “Jean” Reece; and a sister, Gail Marie Berryman.
A celebration of life will be set at a later date.
Please share memories of Steve with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
