Jesse D. King, age 81, of Celina, passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys.

He was born December 9, 1939, in Mercer County, the only child of the late Jesse Sr. and Frances (Hurless) King. On December 23, 1973, Jess married the love of his life, Mary Joyce Hammonds, who survives, along with his children: Sandy (Alyson Young) Powalski of Scotland, Jesse King of Celina, and Jessica "Jetty" (Jimma) Matejek of Nashville, Tennessee, and step-daughters: Debra Gossett (Robert) Gonzalez, Sheryl Gossett Whitacre, Mimi Gossett (Sam) Hammond, Gina Gossett (John) Dresher, and Tina Gossett (Shawn) Daisy, all of Celina.

Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, sisters-in-law: Georgia (Jim) Highley of Celina and Diana Hammonds of Indiana, and the Barnhart Family cousins from Van Wert, as well as Jess' beloved singing dog, Tiny Bodine King.

Preceding him in death were daughters: Janice King Brandon and Valda King Martin, grandson, Justin Duane King, brother-in-law, Bobby Hammonds, and son-in-law, Chip Whitacre.

A 1957 graduate of Rockford High School, Jess served with the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. Jess was the Founder and Pastor of the World Deliverance Church, and founded the Country Gospel Coffee House, both in Celina. He attended The Lighthouse Fellowship Church, and had been a member of VFW Post #5713 and Moose Lodge #1473, all of Celina. "Big Jess" had many jobs in the area, and later was an owner/operator truck driver. He retired from MMS Trucking of Springfield, where he had been an over-the-road driver.

Known as "The Music Man", Jess was very talented, and could play a number of instruments. He loved playing his guitar and singing with his wife, Mary Joyce. Jess had performed with several area bands over the years in the Tri-State area and Canada. Jess King and the Kingsman and Jess King and Country Gospel were two of his better-known groups. The former Edgewater Dance Hall, located along Grand Lake in Celina, was one of the more popular venues for Jess and his bands. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, and riding his golf cart and many motorcycles. Jess loved to tell a joke, and was quite a prankster.

Calling Hours will be held at the Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 817 N. Sugar St., in Celina, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, with Memorial Services to follow, beginning at 4:00. Pastor Tony Richmond will officiate.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lighthouse Fellowship Church.

Condolences can be expressed to the King family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home of Celina.