Jesse Tolerson

Jesse Evertt Tolerson III, 69, Kokomo, Indiana, passed away Nov. 3, 2018. He was born Jan. 26, 1949, in New Port, Arkansas, to Jesse Evertt Tolerson II and Dora Lou (Finley) Tolerson. He graduated from W.F. Branch High School, New Port, Arkansas, and earned associate degrees in industrial arts from Ivy Tech and Air Freight & Cargo Management through the Air Force Associate Degree Program. He was a Vietnam veteran who served his country with honor in the United States Air Force. Jesse was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. A member of the VFW Post 1152 in Kokomo, Indiana, and a retiree from General Motors after 33 years. Jesse enjoyed camping, fishing, building houses, collecting fast and unique cars, and family outings. He was known to be straightforward, lovable, determined and very generous. He is survived by his wife, Babbie (Gillard) Tolerson, Kokomo; sons, Tyson Tolerson, Westfield, Indiana, DeShaunte McJunkin, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jesse Tolerson IV, Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Takesha Gleaves, Bowling Green, Kentucky; stepchildren Latoya Gillard, St. Louis, Missouri, Tiffany Manning, Kokomo, Indiana; brothers, Jerry Tolerson, Kokomo, Indiana, Larry Tolerson, Woodstock, Georgia; sister, Janice (Tolerson) Chaplin, Kennesaw, Georgia; stepmother, Jeanette Tolerson, Kokomo; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Tolerson. Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, with calling from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial in Sunset Memory Garden will immediately follow with military honors. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, Indiana.