Francis Marion (Bud) Reece, Jr.

Francis Marion (Bud) Reece, Jr., 86, of rural Valentine, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home at the Bar Eleven Ranch. Services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Valentine Methodist Church. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family will bestow memorials to macular degeneration research.

Holmes Funeral Home in Valentine is assisting the family.

Bud was born May 27, 1939, at Valentine to F.M. Reece Sr. and Lura Edna (Young) Reece.

Bud grew up on the family ranch with his parents and sister, Alice. He rode his horse to country school District 100 near the ranch through eighth grade. He was an active 4-H member, especially with beef.

While in high school, he lettered in track and football and was an honor roll student. Bud graduated from Valentine High School in 1957. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on several awards, including a Regents Scholarship. In college, he was a member of FarmHouse fraternity, Alpha Zeta and Block and Bridle. As a member of Rodeo Club, Bud won the UNL Rodeo bareback riding in 1961 - the same year he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Bud met Judy Maranville, the love of his life, while both were students at UNL. They were married October 28, 1961, in Beatrice.

On January 2, 1962, he enlisted in the Army. Bud was briefly based in San Francisco before being stationed in Gelnhausen, Germany for two years. Judy was able to accompany Bud at each of his posts. Bud often referred to this tour as some of the best times of his life. While in Germany, their daughter, Janet, was born. Bud was discharged from the Army on October 3, 1964, and returned to the family ranch, south of Valentine, where he remained the rest of his life.

Shortly after returning to the ranch, their son Kevin was born in Valentine. Visitors and guests were always welcome at the ranch and came from many states. Visitors also came from England, Germany, Japan, and Argentina over the years. Many youth came to the ranch to work in the hayfield and became lifelong friends.

The Bar Eleven Ranch expanded with the addition of the Dusky Bonnet Ranch and celebrated its Centennial in 1992.

Bud and Judy enjoyed travelling and were able to return to Germany and visit other European countries. They enjoyed cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, as well as a donkey ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, they traveled to Australia. They also went scuba diving in Cozumel. Memorable vacations were taken with each of the grandchildren.

In addition to work on the ranch, Bud served as a board member for the Simeon School for 12 years. He was active in the Sandhills Cattle Association, serving as president and a member of the board. Bud enjoyed bowling, golf and fishing. He was a Mason and a 4-H leader. He was a lifelong member of the Valentine Methodist Church.

Most of all, Bud enjoyed high school and collegiate activities, first with his children and then his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Judy Reece, of Valentine; daughter Janet (Lonny) Thomsen of Wolbach; daughter-in-law Jenny Reece of Valentine; grandchildren Jordan Garvin of Valentine, Andrew (Jamie) Thomsen of Adams, Blake (Claire) Thomsen of Valentine, CaLee (Chris) Thomsen of Farwell, Kaitlin (Taylor) Reece of Stanton, and Kooper Reece of Valentine; great-grandchildren Djerik, Maclin, Charlotte, Evelyn, Madeline, and McKenna.

Bud was preceded by son, Kevin, on October 19, 2022; parents Frank and Edna, and sister, Alice Hazen.