Argus Observer (Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
J. Lee Halbert
Dec. 10, 1926 - Oct. 15, 2007
Payette - Lee Halbert, 80, Parma, formerly of Payette, died at his home Oct. 15, 2007. Lee was born in Clay Center, Kan., Dec. 10, 1926, the second son of Leonard and Mary Halbert.
He lived in Kansas with his family until the age of 12, then his family relocated to the Payette valley in 1938. Lee attended schools in Payette and wanted to join the military, however, due to medical circumstances he could not join. Instead, he and his father worked in the ship yards in Vancouver, Wash., during War Time.
Around 1946, Lee began a long-term employment with Central Produce in Payette, and worked there for 37 years. During this time, Lee met and married Jeanne Rayne in Weiser. They were married for 30 years.
In the 80’s Lee moved his family to Pasco, Wash., where he worked and retired from Iowa Beef. Lee was always working, even after his retirement he worked for the Idaho State Inspection Service at Apple Valley.
Lee enjoyed deep sea fishing and string fishing. He went to Alaska a time or two with his friend Marvin Wallace to catch fish. He was a great gardener, and had lots of vegetables to show for it.
Those who knew Lee, remember him as being a quiet man and the oldtimers will remember that Lee looked forward to Saturday nights. Lee was known as a good brother and a good friend to those who knew him.
Lee is survived by his wife, Jeanne Halbert, Parma; his step-children, Martin Kitnitz and Linda Fezatte; also his grandsons, Shawn Kitnitz and Shawn Goodman; his brother, Merlin (Darlene) Halbert, Cottonwood, Idaho, and Neil (Cathy) Halbert, Payette, and numerous nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Mary Halbert; his brother, Max Halbert; sister, Shirley Ray; brother, Jack Halbert; and nephews Tracy and Lenny Halbert.
Lee was laid to rest at the Riverside Cemetery in Payette, under the direction of Haren-Wood.
