Obituary of Jesse LaFayette Means

Jesse LaFayette Means, Sr., CMSGT, Retired, USA F, of Bossier City, died Friday, April 25, in Longview , Texas. He died of complications from Alzheimers . He was 99. Jesse was born March 12, 1915, in Ida, Louisiana, into one of the Ark-La-Tex's oldest families, with roots going back many years to DeSoto and Caddo Parishes and to Angellna County, Texas. He was a resident of Bossier City for over 70 years. Jesse spent most of his career at Barksdale Air Force Base in U. S. Civil Service and in the U.S. Air Force, retiring from both. His civilian employment was with the A i r Force and the Army Corps of Engineers. His military service was in the Air Force, beginning in the 91th Troop Carrier Group. From there he moved over to the 307th Red Horse Civil Engineering Squadron. He was a charter member of that unit and was placed in charge of initial recruitment and staffing. He twice was named base "NCO of the Year" and attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was proud of his rank and his military service. After retirement he was active in veteran affairs, helping many veterans with their problem s. Jesse was a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Bossier Lions Club. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Bossier City. He cherished his membership in the Men's Bible Class and the Men's Wednesday Prayer Breakfast. In his younger years he was an avid hunter and an expert marksman. Predeceasing Jesse are his parents, James Taylor Means, Sr., and Delle Bonner Means. They were among the first settlers of Ida and were instrumental in establishing the school and the Methodist Church. Also predeceasing Jesse are h is seven siblings, including his twin brother Bill. Jesse's first wife and mother of his two sons was Maud Taylor, who died in December of 1992. They were married for over 50 years. In December of 1993, he married Marie Kennington, who died in 2001. In 2003, Jesse married Betty Huggins, who survives him. Also surviving him are the following: two sons, Jesse LaFayette Means, Jr., and wife Patricia, St. Francisvi11e; and William Taylor Means and wife Sheila, Bedford, Texas. He is survived by five grandchildren and seven great­ grandchildren. Arrangements are handled by Boone Funeral Home, 21 56 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA 711 1 1. Visitation will be at the funeral home Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00. Full military honors and Christian services will be Tuesday, May 29, at 2:00 p.m. at the grave-site, Hillcrest Cemetery, Bossier City. Religious services will be officiated by Reverend Ashley J. McGuire of First United Methodist Church, 201 John Wesley Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71 1 12. A procession will leave the funeral home at 1:15 to go to the cemetery. After the services there will be a reception at the fellowship hall of the church, to which all are invited. The family expresses its appreciation to the staff and members of First United Methodist Church, Bossier, for so many acts of kindness toward Jesse over the years. Memorials may be made to the church.