Jesse Lee

"J.L." Allen

Jesse Lee "J.L." Allen, 89, passed away peacefully in his Tuttle home on Thursday, August 26, 2021. He had a full life in which he loved those around him.  Jesse spent the last few weeks of his life at home being cared for compassionately by his youngest son Jeffrey Allen and a team of attentive hospice nurses. They were supported by other family members and wonderful friends.

Jesse was born August 14, 1932, in Amber, Oklahoma. His parents, Robert Calhoun and Linnie Cordilla (Testerman) Allen, of Blanchard, preceded him in death 76 and 31 years ago, respectively. Jesse was widowed by Barbara Anne, his wife of 48 years, who preceded him in death in June of 2020. Prior to this marriage, Barbara had 3 sons: Kirk, Keith, and David Whitener. Jesse and Barbara had one son, Jeffrey, together. Jesse was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy. Daughter-in-laws Jena, Keith's wife, and Min, Kirk's wife, were also dear to Jesse. Jesse had grandchildren: Alicia Cosby, Ashland Ashcraft, Brendan and Kael Lushbough, Lauren Allen, Michael Whitener, Jun Zhou, and Joseph Franks. He had 4 great grandchildren: Maci Kay and Asher Cole Franks, Brooklynne and Wyatt Cosby, and Harrison Ashcraft. Jesse was the youngest of 5 children. He was preceded in death by his four siblings, Robert, Ray, Tommy, and Leona.

Jesse grew up in Bridge Creek as part of a loving and hard-working family with 3 brothers and a sister. He graduated from Bridge Creek High School in 1952 and served in the Army in Panama for two years after graduating.  He married his high school sweetheart, Jo Ann Swanson, in 1953.  During their marriage, they adopted a daughter, Peggy Ann.  Jo Anne unfortunately died in late 1970 due to issues with her health.

Jesse or "J.L." met Barbara at Wilson Foods where they both worked at that time.  Kind of a "Brady" bunch ending with Barbara having three boys and Jesse having a daughter, when in 1972, they married and moved to Tuttle where they have kept their warm home for their family until their passing. Jesse was a family man and attended Calvary Baptist Church with his family in those early days.  He helped support his family by working at an Oklahoma City business, Wilson Foods, where he had worked since high school as a forklift operator and an expert at repairing scales for thirty-one and a half years. Subsequently, he retired and went to work for AH Metal Fabricators, also referred to as Mr. Pickup, where he was assigned authority of the shipping and receiving process. After retiring in 1991, he and Barbara enjoyed a peaceful and quiet life. He spent his free time fishing, gardening, watching Oklahoma sports teams, and caring for his wife and home.

Jesse "J.L." will be missed by his family and friends. Their memories of him will be cherished forever.

Graveside funeral and burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 31, 2021, in the Blanchard Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.