Jesse Arnold Davolt

Jesse Arnold DAVOLT January 28, 1920 ~ May 1, 2011 Long-time Seattle resident, Jesse Arnold Davolt, passed from this life peacefully May 7, 2011 due to complications from a recent fall. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Mildred of 61 years, and his children. Arnold, as most of his friends called him was born in Ethel Missouri and spent his youngest years in Missouri and Illinois living on farms most of the time. He joined the Navy at the outbreak of World War II and served most of his time in the South Pacific. After the war, he completed an engineering degree at the University of Missouri in 1949. He was hired upon graduation by The Boeing Company, moved to Seattle in 1949 and worked there for thirty five years. Six months after moving across the country, he returned to Ethel, Missouri to marry his beautiful bride, Mildred, in the living room of her parent's home. Their honeymoon was a December train trip back to Seattle. Arnold and Mildred quickly found community in the Shorewood neighborhood, and at West Seattle Christian Church. Arnold's diligence and commitment to others was evident in his service at both the church and to the community. Arnold spent years as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America, where his love of the outdoors was shared with many young men. Like any good engineer, he had a knack for tinkering and fixing anything and everything. This skill was put to good use around the church where, for many years he diligently ensured the facilities were in tip top condition. No repair was too small, or minute as Arnold could be found at the church all hours of the day either organizing work parties or looking for a way to fix or improve God's house. He used this love of fixing and repairing on countless weekends helping at Pleasant Valley Christian Camp near Mineral, Washington. It was at home where one could really see Arnold's heart. He steadfastly loved his God, his wife and his family. If anyone was ever deserving of the greeting, "Well done good and faithful servant," it is Arnold. He modeled Christ's love and faithfulness throughout his 91 years while setting an example of humbleness along the way. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Mildred; his children David (Melody) Davolt of Boise Idaho, Deborah Couturier of Orting, Steven (Connie) Davolt of Seattle; grandchildren, Jeffery, Jennifer, Jesse, Michael, Meghan, Mark, Jessica, Matthew, and one great-grandson Jesse. He was preceded in death by his son Robert. The family suggests any memorials be sent to Pleasant Valley Christian Camp. His family will forever love and miss him, but also shares the hope that they too will be reunited with him one day in Paradise. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, May 14 at the West Seattle Christian Church, 4400 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116.