Having completed life to his satisfaction, Esdras Reece Finlinson left this world on December 21, 2012 at his home in Oak City, Utah. Those who know him know how much he accomplished in his 85 years as he continually strived to better himself and those around him. He was an example to all in setting and achieving life’s goals.
The oldest child of Esdras and Ethel Shipley Finlinson, Reece was born on March 25, 1927 in Oak City, Utah. He married Cherie Alldredge on May 29, 1953 for time and eternity in the Manti LDS Temple. They were blessed with two sons and seven daughters.
Reece had a life-long love for learning. His many interests included music, playing in orchestras, four-wheeler excursions, hunting, fishing, and hiking. He loved people and helping them through his counseling. He worked as a marriage/family counselor until his death. He enjoyed speaking Spanish with anyone who would visit and kept his Spanish skills sharp for his entire life. He had a fascination with machines, particularly tractors and trains. He kept multiple volumes of journals. He couldn’t pass any bargain or a good price. And most of all, his family was the center of his existence.
Among his many accomplishments, he was an Eagle Scout, served a mission in the Spanish American Mission, was a veteran of the Korean War, and completed his PhD at BYU. He served as mayor, bishop, member of stake presidency, President of Bahia Blanca, Argentina mission, President of Mission Training Center in Santiago, Chile. He was an educator and school administrator. Reece was a farmer his entire life.
Reece was preceded in death by his parents and four grandchildren. He is survived by his wife; sisters: Ramona Wood (Jack), LaMae Twitchell (Wes); children: Phil (Julie) Finlinson, Maria (Jeff) Peterson, Dee Jay (Julie) Finlinson, Mickie (Gordon) Rawlinson, Sonja (Mark) Cazier, Karma Finlinson, Marcia (Melvin) Mull, Liesl Finlinson, KaeLene (Dave) Marsden; 36 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held in the Oak City chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 27, at 11:00 am, at the Oak City chapel. Viewing prior to service, 9:30-10:40 am. Interment following at the Oak City Cemetery under direction of Nickle Mortuary.