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.
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11 Condolence(s)
Karen Davis
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Jesse will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He put a smile on Debby’s face and kept it there for 38 years, as her sister I am grateful to him for his love and support of her, Ruark, and Kim.
I pray God will surround them and all members of the family with His love and give them peace.
Leslie Drastata
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Angela, Deborah and family, me and my family are praying for you. Haven’t see Uncle Jesse in a long time but have very fond memories of him. I am so glad he is resting in our Precious Lord arms and seeing all the people he has missed for a while.
Love you all and may the Lord love flow over you and bring you peace.
Holly Olsen
Friday, January 19, 2024
Jesse was a wonderful uncle. I will always remember his sense of humor and the fun times of music jams. He was a fantastic musician, playing several instruments. I loved the stories of his military career and his childhood. When my father was able to visit, he and Jesse would sit outside every evening, making sure the fireflies were ready to light up the night. Debbie, you were a wonderful wife and companion to him. We love you.
Portia and Etienne and family
Friday, January 19, 2024
Such a beautiful memory of seven of us - family of five plus Etienne's parents from France - invading cousin Debby, Jesse, Ruark and Kim's home in Bremerton and the generous, thoughtful and amazing welcome we received. Jesse so attentive to all generations, and a fountain of stories.
Thankfulness for Jesse in the lives of Debby, Ruark and Kim and their loved ones over all of these years.
Our sincere condolences and much love to all of the family at this time.
Linda Aston Coleman
Friday, January 19, 2024
I will always cherish the fond memories I have of Jesse. From watching all the cowboy movies to fishing and gigging lobster in Key West. One of my best memories with Jesse was snorkeling and looking for large conch shells in the Keys. What a wonderful person he was funny, genuine, quick whited and somebody I could always rely on. I will miss our conversations. You could always put a smile on my face. I always enjoyed listening to Jesse play the guitar and singing. He had some cute, funny songs he would sing. I know you’re riding your horse with the Duke. May you rest in peace, dear Jesse.
Wesley Swanson
Friday, January 19, 2024
Truly sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. Again my condolences.
Hadn't known before. My wife is from Gunnison/Lake City.
Elizabeth Hissem
Thursday, January 18, 2024
We each grieve in unique and different ways. Debbie, you were so good to Uncle Jesse and I can’t imagine what you are going through, though I identify because of losing my own dear best friend /husband.
I know I take great comfort in Jesus’ words at John 5: 28,29
Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life,…
I hope you can give yourself the time to have the ups and downs. The smiles of remembering good times and the tears of having to lose that. But know you are a beautiful person full of loving ways and I hope your gift of art can bring some comfort in the future when your ready for it again. Love Liz
Joanne Cochonour
Thursday, January 18, 2024
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jesse, but I appreciated getting to know him through pictures and correspondence with my cousin, Debby.
We are grateful for his years of service to our country.
We extend deepest sympathies to Debby and family.
Elizabeth Lively Walters
Thursday, January 18, 2024
My family will miss uncle Jesse. He was my dad’s youngest sibling. My brothers loved when he would visit. We moved to Florida while Jesse was stationed in Key West. We will always remember the trips to see him in the Keys. May Jesse rest in eternal peace. ??
Carol Peterson
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Jesse will be so missed. I like to think that Tom and Jesse are telling stories and maybe just a little exaggerated story! Prayers for Jesse, Debby, and their family. Love you Debby! ??????
John & Madelon Abbott
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Lost a friend with Jesse’s passing. He will sorely missed. We will always remember his great stories and way with words.