Don K. Jessup

     Don K. Jessup, age 87, of Sheridan, Indiana, passed away at home on the morning of February 1, 2022.  Born March 26, 1934 on the family farm homestead, he was the son of the late Lester Jessup and Mary (McDonald) Jessup.  News of his birth spread quickly after the local newspaper mis-printed that he weighed in at 80 lbs.

     Don graduated from Sheridan High School in 1952.  During his high school years he was involved in many activities: 4-H; Poultry judging, where in 1951 Don placed 1st in the nation; Boys’ Council; Class Sergeant-at-Arms; Class Vice-President; S Club; and of course, Sheridan football, where he lettered playing tackle.  After graduating, he joined the United States Army and served for two years.

Don married Donna Nicholson on March 17, 1956.

     After serving our country, Don returned home to Sheridan to work on the family farm.  The farm kept Don and Donna busy for many years and eventually turned to hog farming with prize winning Hampshires.  A championship legacy began in 1963 when Don helped his brother Dale win the Grand Champion 4-H Barrow.  In 1964 Don had the Grand Champion Barrow as well as Grand Champion pair of Barrows at the Indiana State Fair open show.  The legacy continued with his son Garry, who won Grand Champion 4-H Barrow in 1968.  In 1970, Don had the Grand Champion boar at the National Type Conference.  That was also the year he won the Carcass Division at the Hoosier Spring Barrow show. 

     Jessup & Jessup Farms also produced corn, soybeans and wheat until 2003, when Don retired from farming.  Don was also one of Pioneer Hi-Bred’s top Seed Sales Reps, taking over the dealership from his father and working another 20 plus years.

     Don was a member of the East Union Christian Church.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and family lake trips, which he did until his early 80’s.  A highlight of his snowmobiling days was a trip where he and Donna snowmobiled in Yellowstone National Park.  He also enjoyed sports, especially football.  He was extremely proud watching his grandsons contribute to the number of Blackhawk state championships added to the water tower. Family was his true passion and he especially loved watching his granddaughters sing and perform.  His latest joy was spending time with his great-granddaughter, playing, laughing, and talking together.

 

Don is survived by:

his loving wife
Donna Jessup of Sheridan

brother
Dale Jessup (Sandy) of Greencastle

sons
Garry Jessup (Lea) of Sheridan
Chris Jessup (Jody) of Sheridan

Grandchildren
Dayne Jessup (Jenna) of Kirklin
Taylor Newblom (Sam) of Carmel
Jake Jessup of Sheridan
Erin Jessup of San Diego, California

great-grandchild
Darby Jessup of Kirklin

 

He was preceded in death by:

his parents
Lester and Mary (McDonald) Jessup.

 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
on Thursday, February 10, 2022
at Kercheval Funeral Home,
306 E. 10th Street, Sheridan, Indiana.

 

Funeral Services with Military Honors
will be held at 11:00 a.m.
on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the funeral home.

 

Burial will follow at
Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan

 

Pastor Mark Knapp will be officiating

 

Memorial contributions can be made in Don’s name to:

East Union Christian Church,
1711 E. 296th Street, Atlanta IN 46031

or the

Alzheimer’s Association at
act.alz.org