Donne William Jesson

Donne William Jesson, age 83, of Johnsville and formerly of Lexington, left his earthly tent behind and exchanged it for a new one in Glory, Saturday evening, May 24, 2014, at Riverside Methodist Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born on May 6, 1931, in Derry, PA, to the late Thomas and June (Gordon) Jesson. In 1949 Donne graduated from Lexington High School. He also attended and took courses at Kent State University.

Shortly after high school Donne enlisted and served our country first in the Air National Guard and then in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict as an airplane mechanic. While in the Air Force he received the rank of Staff Sergeant, as well as, the Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Medal.

On December 23, 1956, Donne married the love of his life, Nancy L. (Cass) Jesson, at Pleasant Grove Church of Christ. Together they shared 57 years of marriage and raised 4 children.

Donne was a member of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, the North Woodbury V.F.W Post, the Shelman Antique Car Club, and Boy Scouts of America, Lexington Troop, where he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

He spent most of his working days as a self-employed mechanic, where he enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors. Donne loved going to the grandchildren's various sporting events, playing games such as euchre, dominoes and yahtzee, fishing, and especially teasing his daughters –in -law. He was also an avid OSU and Cleveland Indians fan. Donne thoroughly enjoyed simply visiting and talking with others.

In 1975 Don and Nancy followed the Lord's calling, moved to Montana where they served on the mission field at the Big Sky Christian Youth Ranch till returning home in 1983.

He will be missed by his wife, Nancy; sons: Andy (Shandi) Jesson of Mount Gilead, Bill (Rana) Jesson of Whitewater, Montana, and Ron (Barb) Jesson of Cardington; six grandchildren: Erica Delmone King, Wyatt Jesson, Alexis Jesson, Clay Jesson, Jaren Jesson, and Garrett Jesson; two step-grandchildren: Joslin and Emma McDonald; two great grandchildren: Caden and Bennett Delome King; a sister, Eileen Bates of Moultrie, GA; a sister in law, Mary Jane Jesson of Lexington; a brother in law, Richard Simon of Phoenix, AZ; and a daughter in law, Sandra Belinn of Portland, OR.

Including his parents, Donne was preceded in death by a son Eric Jesson, sisters: Margery Simon and Rita Ford; and a brother, Roger Jesson.

A memorial service celebrating Donne's life was held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2014, at the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ with Minister Don Lynn officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Shauck Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Donne to the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Donne's family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting http://www.Snyder FuneralHomes.com.