Jesse Pritchett, formerly of Wasson

Jesse Pritchett, age 79, passed away at home in Trinidad, Colorado on Jan. 4, 2019.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1939 in Wasson to Frank and Susan (Reese) Pritchett. Jesse was a graduate of Eldorado High School. He then enrolled into the Illinois State Police Academy and graduated from the program in 1961. Jesse served as a patrolman and was assigned to police detail for President John F. Kennedy's visit to Chicago.

On Nov. 22, 1969, he married Susan Proffitt and together they raised six children. Following a decade of working in law enforcement, Jesse went back to school and furthered his education at Kankakee Community College.

Jesse spent several years as a chemist for the Kankakee Wastewater Department. He went on to be employed as the city manager for the Illinois towns of Georgetown, Pulaski, Virginia and Harrisburg. After spending some time working with his cousin Donnie Pritchett and the family trucking business, he retired.

Hunting for buried treasures was a lifelong passion for Jesse. Throughout the years, he amassed an impressive and extensive arrowhead and coin collection. Jesse accumulated a vast majority of his coins through metal detecting. He also enjoyed fishing. When the kids were young, Jesse and Susan traveled extensively throughout the U.S., visiting national treasures. As the children grew older and settled in different parts of the country, Jesse spent many hours behind the wheel of a motor home or as a passenger of a train to visit family from coast to coast.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jon Franklin; sister, Patsy; father, Frank; mother, Susan; and son, Stanley.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Susan; his five children, MonaLisa (Shannon) Sweeney, Polly Ann Turner, Michael (Kate) Pritchett, Jennifer (William) Allen, and Jon (Olivia) Pritchett; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his sister, Elizabeth; two nieces; and one nephew.

A funeral service will be held for friends and family at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 at Wasson Missionary Baptist Church, 70 Thomas Road, Harrisburg. A graveside service and burial will follow at Lindale Cemetery in Eldorado.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, 2019 at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jesse's name to the American Diabetes Association or to the American Heart Association.