Jesse Deen

Jesse Claude Deen

ROCKY MOUNT, LA - Retired Louisiana State Legislator and educator, Jesse C. Deen died December 7, 2015 at the age of 93. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 14 at Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, LA. Officiating will be Bro. John Fream, pastor of Cypress Baptist Church, and assisting will be Bro. Billy Pierce, Pastor Emeritus of Cypress Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1 pm to 2 pm in the church foyer prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City, LA.

Jesse was born April 24, 1922 in Eros, LA to Marion Claude and Minnie Durham Deen. He was the youngest of five children, and spent his childhood in in Hargis, LA. He graduated from Montgomery High School in 1940 before attending Southwestern Louisiana University (ULL), where he earned his B.S. degree in 1943. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II in San Diego and Long Beach, CA. He began his teaching career as an agriculture teacher and coach at Rocky Mount High School in 1947. After receiving a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas, he became principal of Rocky Mount High School until his retirement in 1972. During his time as principal, he earned a plus 30 degree from Northeast State University.

A distinguished public servant, he served 12 years on the Bossier Parish Police Jury from 1960-1972. He served as president of the Jury, state chairman of the Civil Defense Committee for the LA Police Jury Association, and served as president of the Fourth District Police Jury Association.

He was elected to the House of Representatives for the Louisiana State Legislature in 1972 and served until 1988 from District 9. He served 8 years on the Appropriation Committee, served on the House and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Transportation Committee, 4 years as Vice Chairman of the House Retirement committee, and 8 years as Vice Chairman of the Education committee. He helped organize and was Chairman of the Rural Caucus, and served on the Louisiana Legislative Council.

He was active in civic organizations and served on the Bodcau Soil and Water Conservation Board; the Shreveport Bossier Vocational Board; and on the board for Willis Knighton Hospital. He was also a charter member of the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Posse.

Jesse loved serving his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was an active member of Cypress Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and enjoyed the fellowship he had with his Sunday School Class. He delighted in spending his retirement days gardening and tending to his orchard. He was always ready to play dominos with family and friends, and he was an avid LSU fan who never missed watching the Tigers play.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings; Lee Deen, Hazel Box, O.W. Deen, and Lucille Smith.

Jesse is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Evelyn Young Deen, and four children, Larry Deen and wife Bobbie; Duane Deen; Debbie Carpenter and husband Bill; and Pam Williamson and husband Guy. He was Papa to his grandchildren who include Shannon Jarrett and husband David; Heath Deen and wife Blanca; Scott Williamson and wife Natalie; Karen Brock and husband Brad; Justin Deen and wife Dane; Jared Deen; Jesse Deen and wife Brooke; Jacee Hays Cahn and husband Richard; Trey Hays; Cliff Williamson and wife Jessica; Deen Williamson and wife Taylor; and Kelly Carpenter.

Jesse is also survived by his great grandchildren that he so adored: Maggie and Emma Caroline Cahn, Tyler and Georgie Deen, Hayden and Liam Deen, Matthew Jarrett, Chandler and Zoie Williamson, and Ashton Williamson. He will be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly. He was kind, wise, and giving, and he always took the time to have fun. He never let a moment pass without telling us how much he loved us.

Proudly honoring Jesse as Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers include Roy D. Johnston Sr., Dr. John Brady, Judge Bobby Waddell, Parnell Jones, Ernest Jackson, Spencer Hays, Herman Price, Dr. Harju and his Sunday School Class, and a host of cherished friends.

A special thanks to Mattie Alexandria and Jacqueline Morning for the gracious love and care they gave to him.

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13:11

Memorials may be sent to Cypress Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice.