Donald Hale Reese

Donald Hale Reese, 80, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona.

Born on January 18, 1945, in Seattle, WA, to Harold and Margaret Reese, Don grew up on an apple orchard in Cashmere, WA, alongside his siblings Bill, Tom, Bob, and Bonnie. It was there he learned the value of hard work and the joy of life.

At a dance, Don met the love of his life, Peggy Capps Kytle. They had four children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Being "Papa" was a role he cherished above all else.

After a scheduled break from his work at Alcoa in Eastern Washington, Don joined his brother Tom in Western Washington building homes. He loved construction and never went back. Bellevue, WA became his home where he raised his family. He eventually ended up buying WR Hanson, the company where he dedicated decades of work.

Don served as a volunteer firefighter for the Bellevue Fire Department from 1967-1974. He passionately coached baseball and basketball for his son and grandchildren, becoming a devoted fan of Issaquah High School Baseball, Lakeside Recovery, and Tahoma High School sports—or any team a family member played on, or his son Rob coached. His presence at family games and activities was constant; if not there in person, he was watching remotely. Don's nephews and nieces fondly remember him as the "pie thief," always managing to sneak away with the dessert at family gatherings.

Family and friends were everything to Don. He retired from WR Hanson in 2013 to care for his beloved wife Peggy during her illness. She taught him to cook and care for himself, duties she had lovingly given for their 51 years of marriage.

Don found joy in fishing, crabbing, and watching sports, especially baseball and football. Later in life, he embraced golfing, a new passion introduced by friends.

In 2016, Don met Melea Johnson. They married and enjoyed eight wonderful years together, becoming "snowbirds" and traveling. They moved to Arizona in 2023, living a lifetime of memories in their short time. Don embraced Melea's family, becoming a cherished friend to her five children and their spouses and a beloved grandpa to her 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Peggy; sons Michael and David; brothers Bill and Bob; and granddaughter Payton.

He is survived by his wife, Melea; son Rob Reese (Tami), grandson Todd Reese (Kylie) and great-grandson Easton Reese, and grandson Tyler Reese (Jade); daughter Monica White (Brian), granddaughter Kim Comstock (Dan) and great-granddaughter Oaklee, and grandson Zach White (Marissa) and great-grandchildren Markus, Madison, and Marshall. He also leaves behind his brother Tom Reese (Carol), sister Bonnie Manowski, numerous sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Don's family and friends meant everything to him, and he dedicated his life to taking exceptional care of them. He will be deeply missed by all who know him. His legacy will live on through those he loved.

Celebration of Life Services:

Sun Lakes, AZ: Tuesday, July 22nd, 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 800 West Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ. Live Stream Available at: https://zoom.us/j/97562069800
Issaquah, WA: Sunday August 3rd 10:00 AM.   Issaquah HS commons  700 2nd Ave. SE. Issaquah WA 98027

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to: Bellevue American Legion Youth Baseball, 4163 133rd Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006

If you want to remember Don, run the bases and swing for the stars.