Jesse Lamar Launius

Jesse and Mary McAlexander were united in marriage on December 25, 1957 in Ottawa, Kansas; they shared 59 years of marriage prior to her death on October 22, 2017.

Jesse served with the United States Air Force for 26 years serving at Forbes AFB in Topeka, Kansas; Lajes Field in Azores, Portugal; RAF Alconbury in Huntingdon, England; Richards-Gebaur AFB in Belton, Missouri; Little Rock AFB, in Little Rock, Arkansas; Thai AFB in Thailand; Mountain Home AFB in Mountain Home, Idaho; Osan AB in Osan, Korea; Luke AFB in Glendale, Arizona and finally, Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV. After retirement from the Air Force; Jesse worked at Penn Athletics and then AmSafe as a sewing machine mechanic.

Jesse spent his free time with friends from his church, where he was a member since 1988. He was dedicated to his ministry there and served his pastor as a deacon, adult teacher and helper in other areas of need. He cherished his relationships he built with his church family and loved greeting people as they came to services because he loved talking!

Jesse is survived by two daughters Linda (Curtis) Pryor & Marianne Launius-Socha, brother Carroll Wayne Launius, eight grandchildren Lori, Michael, Michelle, Erin, Megan, Adam, Zephaniah & Hunter and ten great grandchildren Simolena, June, Alex, Tyler, Kaelyn, Melody, Michaela, Henry, Brooke & Nixon. In addition to his wife, parents, 5 brothers and 1 sister, he was preceded in death by his oldest daughter Brenda Silks.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 8:30-9:30AM at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale. Burial will take place at 11AM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix. A memorial service will be held at 2PM at Cornerstone Christian Center, 11301 W Indian School Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392.

Keeping with Jesse’s wishes please no flowers. If you wish to do something please make a contribution, in his name, to the church.