Jesse Blackwell was born on September 23, 1929, the son of John and Mary Louiza (Dockery) Blackwell. Jesse entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Jesse's younger years were spent in the "Lone Star" state of Texas. Jesse was one of fifteen children. Since the family had so many to provide for, Jesse had to leave school at a young age to help support the family.

Jesse met Alice Kalkas in 1946 and on December 20, 1947 the couple were united in marriage in Mountain View, Arkansas. After they were married they move to Shenandoah where they have resided for the past 64 years. This union was blessed with the birth of three children, Robert, Donna and Cherry.

Jesse worked as a welder for Farm Master Gate Factory and retired in 1982. He loved to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed working on his own cars and just piddling. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, and caring grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Robert and many brothers and sisters.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Alice, daughter Donna Cross and husband Doug of Spring Hill, Kansas, daughter Cherry Gibson and husband Roger of Shenandoah, Iowa, 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, a brother and two sisters.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his loss.