Jesse Arthur Werner, Jr.

Jesse Arthur Werner, Jr., 86, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on January 30, 2023. He was born in Springfield on November 17, 1936, son of Jesse Arthur Werner, Sr., and Dorothy (Albers) Werner.

Jesse graduated from Springfield High School in 1954, where he played violin in the orchestra, and Augustana College in 1958, where he played football and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Jesse married Susan Lee Davidson in Baguio, Philippine Islands, in 1959.

Jesse proudly served in the Illinois Air National Guard from 1958 through 1965. He also was an accomplished businessperson, leading family businesses throughout his lifetime. Jesse served as President of Champion Gas & Oil Co., Vice President of Werner Motor Company, and Vice President of Arrow Trailer & Equipment Co. He served as President of the State Bank of Danvers and on the boards of American State Bank, Peoples National Bank, and the Illini Bank.

Jesse was an enthusiastic golfer, tenor in the Illinois Symphony Chorus, a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Fighting Illini, and a charter member of the Brown Palace Social and Deer Hunting Club in Mount Sterling, Illinois. As an enthusiastic member of the Model T Ford Club International, Jesse enjoyed caravanning antique autos throughout the U.S. and Canada. He was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church and Deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church, singing with choirs of both congregations. Later in life, he enjoyed volunteering as a Red Coat at Memorial Medical Center.

Jesse was well known for his gregarious nature, quirky humor, perpetual optimism, and lasting friendships. He found tremendous joy in his family and is survived by his wife, Susan (Davidson) Werner; his three children, Kevin Werner (wife, Robin), Karon Danna, and Kristine Werner (wife, Shelly); his four grandchildren, Allyson and Jesse Isaac Werner, Sam (wife, Bella) and Zeke (significant other, Ali) Danna; and two great-grandchildren, Jack Danna and Roggie Danna.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A memorial service and celebration of Jesse’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Family will greet friends at 10:00 a.m., with the Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 a.m. Jesse will be laid to rest at the Old Salem Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Illinois Foodbank, Attn: Cassie Veach, P.O. Box 8228, Springfield, IL 62791-8228.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.