of Mountain Home, AR

November 26, 1940 - January 15, 2024

Jesse Earl Lively was born November 26, 1940 in Mineral Wells, TX, the youngest of four of Robert Ben and Vera Thelma (Penick) Lively. The family moved around during his youth and spent time in Parthenon, AR.
Jesse entered the US Navy at Indian Head, Maryland at 18 years-old and served for twenty-one years. He retired in May of 1979 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA as a Machinist Mate Senior Chief, Diver First Class. Over his career, he served on four ships: USS Eversole (DD-789, '58-'62), USS Hunley (AS-31, '63-'65), USS Amphion (AR-13, '66-'67), USS Yosemite (ADS-19, '67-71) and USS Petrel (ASR-14, '75-'78). Jesse was stationed in several locations, including Long Beach, CA, Key West, FL and Dunoon, Scotland.
After retirement, Jesse ran cattle on his ranch near Gunnison, CO. There he met his future wife, Deborah and her two young children, Ruark and Kim. In 1987 they moved to Bremerton, Washington and in 2005, Jesse and Deborah retired to Mountain Home, AR.
Jesse and Deborah attended the First Presbyterian Church in Mountain Home. Jesse was an avid fisherman and musician. He played music for several years at the Van Matre Senior Center.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Robert Lively (Arizona) and his sister, Nancy Cleveland (Texas).
Jesse is survived by his wife, Deborah; brother, Ralph Lively (wife, Renate) of Fairbanks, AK; his daughter, Angela Cousins of Huntsville, AR; stepson, Ruark William Dreher (wife, Sara) of Los Angeles, CA; stepdaughter, Kimberly Hoyt (husband, Darrel) of Grand Junction, CO; as well as 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.
Jesse passed away January 15, 2024 at Hospice of the Ozark, Hospice House. A memorial service will be planned for late spring.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
Highway 5 North
Mountain Home, AR  72654
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com