Donald Eugene Reese

DONALD “DUKE” EUGENE REESE; Born August 16, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa to John Walter Reese, born April 25, 1899 and Elsie Agness Welch, born August 21, 1899-both born in Iowa. He had 5 brothers and 4 sisters, and was the lone survivor of the Reese family siblings until his passing August 18, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Two young brothers (Ione and Jackie) and his son in 2022, Donald Timothy Reese, preceded him in death.

His mother passed away on Valentine’s Day 1977. His Father passed nearly 1-year later to the date, but for 13-days shy, in 1978 at age 77. His siblings included in order of birth; Elizabeth Barbara, “Betty” Toler, Annabelle May “Ann” Boyce, Clinton Thomas “CT,” Glenn Edward

“GR” My Godfather, Donald Eugene “Duke” my Father, James Walter “Jay or Jimmy,” Christine Colleen “Chris” Griggs, and Mary Jane Smith.

His Grandfather, John “Jack” Reese born 1878 in Wales-died in 1944 in Bremerton at age 68.

His Grandmother, Mae Lavina Cottar born 1881 in Iowa passed at age 72 also in Bremerton. His Uncles included, Phillip, Andrew, and James. His Aunts were Sadie, Florence, Clara, and Ann.

He married Sally Ann Wallace in 1956 and fathered two children, Donald Timothy “Tim” in 1958, and Jay “Byrd” Edward Reese 1960.

After working the local sawmills, Duke started a gainful career in the retail bread business with Williams Bakery in 1958 as a driver-salesman, then was promoted to Regional Manager in 1969 moving to Medford. Thereafter, he worked at Flueher's Bakery, Williams again, Mr. Smith’s Cookies, Franz, Wonder Bread, and Sara Lee Bakery before retiring in 2005. Additionally, he had a few entrepreneurial ventures once owning Duke’s Drive-In in Cave Junction, a Sara Lee Bakery outlet store, and a Werner Snacks Distributorship.

In 1977 he married Linda Harader-Sampson, and celebrated 48-years of a loving marriage in May 2025. He was stepfather to Norman, Debbie, and Susan Sampson. His extended family would consist of 9 Grandchildren, and 16 Great Grandchildren who he loved all with the same care, custody, compassion and love.

After graduating Grants Pass High School in 1952, he attended Gonzaga University playing basketball before ending his career with a shoulder injury. He once scored 33 points in a prep game and held the SOC league scoring record for 20 years. He would later be a respected and highly rated high school and small college football and basketball referee for two decades working several State Tournaments, and being accepted into the Pac-8 Collegiate basketball development program.

His interests and hobbies included operating ‘Star Time Karaoke’ in Portland for 20 years up to his death. He enjoyed singing and mastering his vocal variety. His all-time favorite music was Ray Price, Marty Robbins, and Jim Reeves. He found much joy as a connoisseur of home improvement of yards and lawn maintenance while intimately grooming and manicuring his outdoor landscape.