Frank Hilton Jessee
December 14, 1937 - June 22, 2015
Obituary
FRANK HILTON JESSEE
Frank Jessee was born December 14, 1937, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He grew up in Bremerton, Washington and graduated from Central Kitsap High School in June, 1956. He joined the military and served his country in the Army until March, 1964. Frank attended the University of Washington where he met his soul mate, Coeur D’Lane Anne Baker (Corkie). Frank and Anne were married on July 21, 1962, and were blessed with three beautiful children, LeAnne, Michael, and Kevin.
Frank was an optician and was employed with Prescription Optical for forty years of dedicated service. After his retirement he decided to take on the adventure of buying a business with his brother-in-law (Duke) and his wife (Shari) and purchased Tex Drive In, Honokaa Hawaii. It was at that time he became familiar with the Malasada, a Portuguese donut, which is what that particular landmark was famous for and had been in existence for 43 years. He became the third owner. Also, Frank loved to travel and looked forward to the next adventure!
Frank enjoyed hobbies such as golf, visiting many of the courses in Washington and he also had a passion for flying his own plane. He participated in the Western Travelers flying club and was their past president. He always had his wife and children with him traveling to many of the airshows in the area.
Frank joined Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tacoma in 1966, and was an active member until moving to Olympia. He was past president of Emmanuel and served on the council, choirs, youth groups, taught confirmation classes, and sponsored many youth groups. While involved in the choir, he had the chance of a lifetime to sing in Carnegie Hall in New York, which was an experience he never forgot. He always remembered that music was a challenge to learn but was diligent in making sure he knew his part with many practice sessions. After moving to Olympia, he joined Gloria Dei Lutheran Church where he continued to worship until his death.
Surrounded by family, Frank was received by his Lord into Eternity on Monday, June 22, 2015. Frank’s family will always remember his gentle spirit, witty sense of humor, and smile. Frank loved his family above all else and especially enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. He was the most amazing husband, father, and grandfather.
Frank was preceded in death by his daughter, LeAnne Carol Jessee, and his parents, Raymond and Carol Jessee. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Anne Jessee, sons Michael (Beth) Jessee and Kevin (Mandy) Jessee, and his grandchildren Ashlynne, Brandon, and Tanner, as well as many relatives and friends.
The family extends sincere thanks to Frank’s medical doctors, Dr. Joseph Ye, Dr. John Waggoner, and Dr. Thomas Burghardt for their steadfast care and compassion for Frank.
A private family graveside service with Military Honors will be held Friday, July 10, 2015 at Washington Memorial Cemetery in SeaTac at 2:30 p.m. A public memorial service will be held Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1515 Harrison Ave., Olympia, Washington. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Frank’s name to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church designated memorial fund.
Dad, I will miss you so much. You lovingly welcomed me to your family when I married your son Michael and treated me like one of your own. I cherish the memories we have and will be eternally grateful to you for all the love, support, and care you have given to me and our entire family. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for raising amazing boys and for teaching them to be wonderful husbands and fathers. And, thank you for being the greatest grandfather that any kid could ask for. What lucky kiddos to have you as their grandpa. I love you and will miss you forever. Until we meet again, rest in peace Dad.
Love,
Beth
You have given me so much these past 17 years and I am so thankful to have such great grandfather like you in my life. Always took great care of Ashlynne, Tanner, and I. I will cherish all the great memories we had together. I will miss seeing you in the stands at my baseball games, all the Mariners games we have gone to, and all the over nighters that I would spend with you and Nana. I love you and miss you so much Grandpa!
To the Jessee family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I came to know Frank from working with Anne at UP school district.
You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to all of you.
It was a pleasure sharing your family with us when our daughter Mandy married your son Kevin. You will be greatly missed. We were so glad to know you the short amount of time that we have had together and have enjoyed all the games, recitals, holidays etc. We know you are at peace.
Michael & Carolyn
I will always have fond memories of Frank. He was a great man, and I am sure he’s still singing.
Pat Doughty
There are so many wonderful things about you , Frank, which Al and I will surely miss as well as so many others who know you and love you! We will never forget the many President Day trips we’ve spent with you, Corkie, Duke and Shari. The special holidays with you and the families. And who could forget the earlier days when I (Gene) came up to Everett, WA. to visit. Or all the different “flavors” of eyeglasses you helped to pick out for me. Gosh! So many many memories to cherish. For me and Al. Memories that will keep you alive in our hearts forever!
To the Jessee family, may your memories guide you through this most difficult time and bring you peace. Always with love, Al & Gene
God Bless You Frank!!!!!
I am so saddened by the passing of my Uncle Frank. I have such wonderful memories growing up close to your family and I will always treasure them. Praying for God’s abundant peace and love to comfort my Aunt Corkie and family. Much Love to you all.
~Danielle
Life is short, but memories never die. Frank will always be a part of all of us. A Great husband, Great father, Great father-inlaw, Great grandpa and of course a great brother-inlaw and Business Partner.I continue to challenge all of our family to talk of memories of love ones, so it passes from generations to come. May God walk with all of us, side by side, in our absence of love ones and think about all those memories. With all my love to the Jessee’s Family