Lee Winnett, 67, passed away on August 12, 2026 at home with his family after a 6 month battle with cancer which he fought with courage and determination.

Lee was born on December 31, 1958 in Dayton, Washington to Molly and Wallace Winnett. Lee grew up on Whiskey Creek and attended Waitsburg schools and then Walla Walla Community College Ag Mechanics Program. Lee was active in FFA throughout high school raising sheep and participating at local stock shows.

Growing up, the family worked hard at many tasks but one Lee remembered fondly was working with this brother, Andy, and dad, Wallace, on their hay baling operation. Lee shared fond memories of growing up in Waitsburg including the family’s annual post harvest trip to Priest Lake with other local families. He also enjoyed remembering fishing trips, trips with the Boy Scouts and the freedom that came from growing up on Whiskey Creek. Pets were an important part of growing up on the farm and he continued enjoying having dogs and cats throughout his life.

Lee married Lisa Hathaway in 1983 and daughter Jaimie was born in 1986. The family lived in the Clyde area and enjoyed many trips to the Snake River to boat and fish. Those years were filled with camping trips near the Tucannon River, traveling to visit family who lived on the Klickitat River and spring break trips to the Oregon Coast.

He spent countless hours operating combines and tractors. He leveraged his strong work ethic, knowledge and experience working for farming operations in both Prescott and Dayton. Like any true farmer the soil and agriculture were in Lee’s blood and the weather and rainfall record keeping were a hobby along with driving around to look at crops and possible roadside BS sessions.

While Lee’s roots were deep in Waitsburg his friend, Glen Warren, sparked an interest in traveling to see other farming operations. Glen and Lee traveled to Colorado, Illinois and Australia. These trips included tours of farming operations, historical locations and National Parks. Since returning from Australia, Lee reminisced about the people he met and the things he saw. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Lee is survived by his wife, Lisa, daughter Jaimie, brother Andy, and sister in law, Denise. Lee was preceded in death by his parents Molly and Wallace Winnett.

The family requests you consider donating to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation or the Waitsburg FFA in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date after harvest. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com

Corbeill Funeral Home in Dayton is caring for the family.