Joseph Dale “JD” Lethlean

Celebrating Life

J. D. Lethlean (Joseph Dale Lethlean II) passed through the veil to return home to his father in Heaven on October 19, 2023. J. D. was born to Dale and Vera Lethlean on September 23, 1946 in Baker, Oregon. His parents and brother Jim Lethlean preceded him home.
He leaves behind his wife Linda Poe Lethlean, son Joseph Lethlean III, of Beaverton, daughter Julie, and husband Jeff Hale, and their children; Asher Hale, Zen Hale, and Ksenia Hale of Ontario, Oregon. Acia and Jonas Grout of Ontario, and Anya and Brandon Rawlins of Lehi, Utah. Sister Linda Lee and her husband Russ Canham of Baker City. Sister Kay and husband David Carlson of Ontario. Brother Kim and his wife Gladys Lethlean and Brother Tim Lethlean of Baker City.
He spent most of his early years living behind the In & Out drive IN.
J.D. graduated from Baker High in 1965. He continued his education throughout his life, including schooling, apprenticeships, receiving certifications in repairs of Honda motorcycles, and small engines, and as an Oregon state plant site electrician. He was self-taught in being a mechanist using lathes, and milling machines, and was always studying technical manuals.
He owned and operated, J.D.‘s Supply and the Tenth Street Texaco station. J.D. retired after 26 years from Marvin Wood Products as a millwright & industrial plant electrician.
He loved Baker County history and helped preserve it.  He along with his wife Linda and five friends co-founded the Sumpter Valley, Railroad, spending the first 18 years on the board of directors and 5 times as president.  He was busy organizing, building, repairing, and running the Heisler locomotive #3 on weekends and special events. He tried to make those days at the Sumpter Valley Railroad fun family times for his family and friends.  
J.D. worked with Mrs. Warnock in saving the Natatorium building that was slated to be torn down and that eventually houses the Baker Museum. He spent lots of time talking to people and friends about steam and collected and restored antique steam equipment.
He was faithful to God and Jesus Christ as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. J.D. was loved and devoted to family and friends. He Enjoyed God’s gifts of the Baker County mountains and valleys that we are so blessed with.
He will be truly missed by those who knew him.
Funeral services for Mr. Lethlean will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2625 Hughes Lane Baker City, OR.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Baker City. Obituary courtesy of Coles Tribute Center. 

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