Jesse De Leon

Jesse De Leon, 63, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, May 13, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 24, 1961, in Phoenix to Martin De Leon and Anita Gallegos. He and Maria Reynaga were married in the fall of 1988 in Salem, Oregon.

He served many years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He had a master's degree in English as a Second Language.

He was a regional director of Migrant Services.

Jesse was a fan of John Wayne and the Minnesota Vikings football team and loved to work on vehicles. He also enjoyed working in the greenhouse. Jesse was a horticulturist. He loved his dog, Amadeus, and loved to do pranks and have a good time.

He was of the Catholic faith.

Survivors include his wife, Maria De Leon; two sons, Richard De Leon and Jesse (Maria) De Leon Jr.; four brothers, Johnny, Danny, Ernie and Joey; and seven sisters, Estella, Josie, Norma, Mary Ann, Vicky and Linda.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Lou.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with parish prayers at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 17, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Veterans Administration Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.