Jesse Ray Lackner

Jesse graduated from Midway High School in 2008 with his most proud accomplishment being that his football team lost only one game his Senior year.

Jesse joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in 2008, and served until honorably discharged in 2016. He completed two tours of duty to include one combat tour in Iraq and one tour in Kuwait with the 252nd Military Police Company.

Jesse especially loved cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers and the Tennessee Titans football teams. He was an avid reader of mystery novels including John Grisham, he loved music and dancing, and being the life of the party. His greatest joy was his daughter, Marissa.

Jesse was a respected member and vice-president of the Oxford House. He was recognized as being a model leader and as someone who was a great source of encouragement for anyone struggling.

Remaining to cherish Jesse’s memory are: daughter, Marissa Lackner; mother, Teressa Sparkman and spouse, Jimmy; father, Wendell “JR” Lackner and spouse, Liza; sister, Christie Smith and children, Brianna and Jaxson; brother, Dennis Lackner and spouse, Denise and daughter, Mia; sister, Angela VanCuren and spouse, John and children, Emma, Aiden, Addison, Jenna, Liam, and Ellianna; brother, Jacob Sederlin and spouse, Ceara and children, Ryleigh, Isabel, Reagan, Mackenzie, and Wyatt; brother, Stephen Cochran. Jesse had a large extended family and many friends as well.

The family will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920 on Thursday, May 29, from 12 noon to 12:30 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12:30 pm, Pastor Jon Hollifield officiating. A procession to East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier will follow with full military honors.