Lealon Warren Brumley, (Lee) was born on December 18, 1933, in Chivington, Colorado, to Burton and Sarah (Henry) Brumley. He passed away on December 18, 2024, his 91st birthday, in Modesto, California.
At the age of 12, Lee and his family moved to Escalon, CA. Lee graduated eighth grade from Lone Tree School followed by Escalon High School in 1952. He was a three-sport athlete and an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).
In 1953, Lee married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Tomlinson. Together, they built a life in farming, which would define much of Lee’s legacy. After graduating, Lee bought a small herd of dairy cows from his mother and continued running the Grade B dairy. He also began working for long-time rice farmer, Eddie Schultz. This experience provided Lee with the skills and knowledge that would guide him as he transitioned to rice farming. In 1966, Lee sold the cows and began cultivating rice fields. His passion for rice farming remained steadfast throughout his life, even though he planted his first almond orchard in 2005. Lee retired from rice farming in 2014.
In addition to farming, for many years, Lee worked at California Blowpipe and Steel, now known as Hogan Manufacturing Inc. He also had a long relationship with the UC Extension Service, participating in rice variety trials for over 30 years, alongside UC Crop Advisor, Mick Canaveri. Lee also served as a Director for Stanislaus Farm Supply and as a member of the Advisory Committee for the California Rice Growers Association. A lifelong member of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, Lee contributed significantly to his community, and in his later years, he was honored to be recognized as the Escalon Farmer of the Year.
Lee was dedicated to his faith and his community. He served as a deacon and board member at Oakdale Christian Church and was a founding board member when the Escalon School District became Unified.
Lee is survived by his wife of 71 years, Peggy; sons, Phillip (Gail), Donald (Sherilyn), and Thomas (Karin); seven grandchildren, Brett Brumley, Claire Giahos (Steve), Rosebud Skudder (William), Kari Brumley, Brooke Miles (Ryan), Bryce Brumley (Tayler), Dominic Brumley and eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his infant son, Ernest; daughter, Terry (2011); his parents; his brother, Herbert; and his sister, Maxine Lovett.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Church, located at 1155 Escalon Ave., Escalon CA. Private Burial.
Remembrances may be made in Lee’s name to: Escalon Ambulance, P.O. Box 212, Escalon, CA 95320; Alexander Cohen Hospice House (c/o Community Hospice), 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356; or a favorite charity of your choice.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Jan. 1, 2025
