Jesse Everett Kotur

1921 - 2017

Jesse Everett Kotur of Alamogordo, New Mexico died in Las Cruces, New Mexico at Mesilla Valley Hospice, surrounded by loved ones on November 5, 2017. He was 96 years old.

Jesse is survived by daughter, Linda Kotur and her husband John Woodward of Berino, New Mexico; his grandson, Cameron Dawes and wife Jaime of Albuquerque, New Mexico and their children Caiden, Evan, Gwenna and Nathan. He is also survived by grandson Cory Woodward and wife Jamie of Justin, Texas and their children Jake, Jillian, Jackson and Jace. Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie C. Kotur of Alamogordo New Mexico, his son Jack W. Kotur of Albuquerque, his grandson Everett Dorsey Bonnell, and his parents Peter and Freda Kotur of Sessor, Ill.

Jesse was born on October 30, 1921 in Sessor, Ill to Peter and Freda Kotur. Jesse was born during a hard time in our history, learning early on to take care of others in the community around him. He shot rabbits, other animals, and fished in order to feed neighboring families. He would knock on his neighbors' doors in the evening and sell the catch of the day. For those who could not pay, he gave them food with his best wishes and his charming smile. He used the extra money he earned from hunting and fishing to help his mother with household expenses.

In high school, football was his passion, and he excelled in the sport until his senior year. Scheduled for a scholarship to the University of Kansas he was ready to set the world on fire. However, his collarbone was broken in a tackle, which ended his chance for the scholarship. Despite the hard luck, he never lost his love of the game. Instead of attending college, Jessie became a United States Marine-something his family did not know until recently. Following an honorable discharge, he worked for the War Department Air Depot (Army Air Force) and the United States Air Force until retiring.

After just one week of retirement, Jesse embarked on a new profession restoring and rebuilding antiques throughout New Mexico and Texas. He produced many outstanding pieces, and had many greatly satisfied customers throughout the years. His work will last for generations, as families have wonderful treasures to pass to their children and grandchildren.

Jesse was a 34th degree Mason in Del Rio, Texas Val Verde Lodge, and was also a member of Alamogordo Chapter 11 the Order of the Eastern Star. He also was a member of the Ballut Abyad Shriners of New Mexico. He was an active and dedicated member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he volunteered at project Share the Table over the last 13 years.

Jesse passed away peacefully at Mesilla Valley Hospice after a yearlong illness.
He will be remembered as one that gave to those in need, never wanting anyone to be hungry or cold. He was always smiling and, when asked, he was "never better." His characteristic thumbs up signal remained with him until the end.

Honorary pall bearers will be his Wednesday morning coffee group and their wives, who have provided spiritual, moral, and physical support to Jesse during all the years since the loss of his wife.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church in Alamogordo with Dustin Wilhite officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery, with a reception at the Grace United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jesse's life. Those who cannot attend the ceremony or burial are invited to attend the reception after the funeral.

At the beginning of this holiday season, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to charities that help with children's causes for food and clothing, Rotary Clubs, Shriners Children's Hospital, or Grace United Methodist Church.