Jesse Overton, a longtime resident of Bellevue, passed from this life on March 9th. Jesse led a long and productive life and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather to his six children, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was a friend of many and will be sorely missed.
Jesse was born in North Carolina on October 22, 1920 to David and Mary Overton. He was the middle of three children. Raised during the Great Depression, he endured the hardships of the era and began working at a very young age. At the age of 17, he was offered a job and left North Carolina for Florida. After a short time working in Florida, he got a job as a teamster and drove trucks between Florida and Wisconsin.
With America’s entry into World War II, Jesse felt called to serve his country. He joined the Army Air Corp and was stationed i
n San Antonio, Texas and North Africa. He achieved the rank of Sergeant within six months and Staff Sergeant a year later. After the war, he returned to Wisconsin where he attended a construction trade school while still serving in the reserves.
After graduating from construction school he returned to active duty, this time in the Army Corp of Engineers and was promoted one more time to Sergeant First Class. During this time, Jesse met the love of his life, Helga. They would spend the next 53 years married, only being separated by Helga’s passing. They eventually, settled in Bellevue where they would raise their six wonderful children, seven grand children, and one great grand child. Jesse got to be an Opa one more time following Helga’s passing.
After Jesse retired from the Army, he owned his gas station, worked in real estate, and carpentry. He also worked for the City of Mercer Island and retired from the Bellevue School District.
Jesse spent his last year being cared for lovingly by Ela and Silviu of Lake Hills Adult Family Home, where his children visited often. Silviu and Jesse became good buddies and had a strong bond. On March 9, 2013, Jesse passed peacefully with his daughter, Mary and friend, Silviu by his side, after a day of many family visitors. Jesse will forever be loved and missed by his family and friends here and in Florida. He will forever be our Hero having served his family and country with great love and honor.
Jesse was preceded in death by his wife Helga, his brother Dan, sister Lucy, and many other loved ones. He is survived by his children (spouses/partners), Bernie (Neal), Frank (Jill), Charles (Christina), Michael (Kim), Mary (Tom), and Thomas (Martha), his grandchildren Steven, Madison, Caleb and Hannah (aka Jordawn), Charles, Samantha, Janae, Nicholas, and one great-grandchild, SeanThomas, his nieces, Margie Vonn Overton Goodwin, Nancy Overton Rossi-Capers, Mary Alene Forester James, Susan Forester Lindemann, and nephew, Alan Forester.
Jesse will be laid to rest at a private family funeral at Tahoma National Cemetery. An informal memorial to celebrate his life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, March 23, 2013 between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. at 1619 172nd Ave NE, in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Evergreen Hospice (Kirkland).