Jesse Francis Jolly's Obituary
Jesse Francis Jolly, 85, of Decatur, died Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Mr. Jolly was born July 2, 1926 in Glen Dean, KY, son of Samuel and Ruby Wheatley Jolly. A member of Saints James and Patrick Church, Jesse worked as an engineer for A.E. Staley Company retiring in 1985. He was an Army Air Corp veteran of WWII, friend of Bill W. for over 40 years, lifelong amateur radio operator K9AWG and member of Cenois Amateur Radio Club. Jesse married Mary Agnes Derler August 13, 1949 and she preceded him in death in July of 1991. He then married Cecelia Coyle in November of 1991.
Mr. Jolly is survived by his wife Cecelia of Decatur; children: Helen Curt Ferguson of Decatur, Alesia Paul Davenport of Indianapolis, IN, Lynette Steven Swanson of Brookfield, IL, James Donna Jolly of Mesquite, TX and Mary Frances Jolly Scott Whitsitt of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren: Rick Davenport, Zach Ferguson, Samantha Ferguson, Elizabeth Swanson and Peter Swanson; great grandchildren: Aiden and Emmett; brother, Charles Carol Jolly of Warrensburg; sister in law, Carolyn Jolly of Decatur and brother in law, Gene Wall of KY; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mr. Jolly was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary; sons: Vincent and George; brothers: Samuel and Joseph and sisters: Regina and Colleen and his parents.
The family will receive friends Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Celebrating Jesse’s life will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2011, at St. James Catholic Church, Rev. John Burnette celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorial gifts may be made to: Saints James and Patrick Catholic Church.
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