Scott Lyle McGee, 70 of Fairbury, passed away Friday, November 10, 2023. Scott was born April 25, 1953 in Hastings, NE to Curtis and Delores (Vahle) Morgan. Scott was 5 years-old when they moved to Ord and later, at age 11 he and his two siblings were adopted by their new step father, James McGee, and moved to Oxford, NE.
Scott graduated from Oxford High School in 1971 and attended UNL for two years. He later moved back to Oxford, NE. where he met his future wife, Judy Jantz. The two were married June 15, 1975 and resided in Alma, NE. To that union, three children were born, Melissa, Blake, and Darci. Scott worked at McGee Food Market in Oxford and Judy was an RN in Alma. They lived in Alma until 1990 when the family and entire cow herd moved to Fairbury, NE.
Scott loved raising registered Hereford cattle and was proud of the accomplishments of Valley Creek Ranch. His passion for livestock began as a small boy working with and learning from his Grandfather, Harry Vahle. The entire family grew to love the cattle and have been involved in the operation. Now a fifth generation of grandchildren is carrying on the family tradition. Scott’s passion for animals carried over to his interest in raising registered quarter horses for 30 years and, also Boer goats for 10 years.
Scott attended auctioneer school in 1990 and enjoyed auctioning and ring service ever since, along with working for Haddan Excavating for 10 years. Later he completed his real estate license, joining Kettelhut Real Estate in 2000.
Scott was baptized as a youth and attended the Christian Church in Alma, and became a member of the Jansen Bible Church once moving to Fairbury, serving as a Sunday School teacher and singing in the men’s quartet. He served as the Jefferson County Fair beef superintendent for 25 years and the Nebraska Hereford Association board filling roles as president and area representative. He received the Nebraska Outstanding Hereford breeder award and was honored with the Golden Breeder Award for 50-year membership in the American Hereford Association.
Scott was known for his sense of humor. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, and will be remembered for his ability as a story-teller.
Scott is survived by wife, Judy of 48 years, children Melissa (Brandon) Buehler, and Blake of Fairbury, and Darci (Mick) Pesek of Western, NE and four grandchildren, Blair, Landon, Lawson, and Brock, and mother, Delores McGee, Alma, brother Tracy (LesLee) McGee and family, Oxford, NE, sister Candace (Larry) Gibson and family, Alma, NE. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Harry and Velma Vahle and step-dad, James McGee.
The service was livestreamed on the Jansen Bible Church Facebook page if you would like to watch the service.
Celebrating Scott’s Life video: https://youtu.be/y7ro2sLTfcc?si=gzqvqTj_w48Su-wZ
Memorial funds will go towards youth development programs designated by the family at a later date.