Jon Samuel Gesell

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jon Samuel Gesell a resident of Manchester, Tennessee. He passed away on August 26, 2025 after a hard fought battle with cancer at the age of 67. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Jon was born on February 1, 1958 in Batesville, Indiana. Later, during his boyhood years, his family moved to Manchester. He graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1977. Jon was so appreciative and humbled by the life-long friendships that he made while in High School.
After graduation, Jon proudly joined the United States Air Force. He served four meaningful years and was stationed in Florida, Texas, and Colorado. After leaving the Air Force, Jon traveled around some and discovered his passion for football. He was especially fond of the Miami Dolphins.
In 1991, his precious daughter, Julie was born. She filled his world with joy and adventure. He also went to work for the Coffee County Highway Department. He retired after thirty years of service.
Jon was a simple, easy-going, unassuming man. He lived his life on his terms and said that he had no regrets. He was happy staying on the farm tending to his cows and vegetable garden. On Sundays during football season, he could be found at home with a Busch beer in hand cheering-on his favorite football teams hoping the Dolphins or Titans would be the victors. He also enjoyed cutting wood, making wine with his dad and brothers, and listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd and KISS while solving Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
Jon accomplished many things in his life, but the greatest accomplishment of all was being Julie's dad. There was always pride in his voice and love in his eyes whenever he spoke of her.
Jon was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Gesell. He is survived by his daughter, Julie (fiancé Chad Flanders); mother Mitzi Gesell; brothers, Gary (Chip), Mark (Cathy); sister, Linda Adams; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Micheal Caruso), Lori (Stephen and Jackson) Henley, Sara (Seth) Doak, Gregory (Amber, Matthew, Jessica, Kayla, Dylan, Cynthia, Marilyn, Alice and Eleanor) Palmier, Kevin (Jodi) Palmier.
Visitation with the family will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Central Funeral Home In Manchester, Tennessee. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 10:00am in the chapel of Central Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Hillsboro Methodist Church Cemetery in Hillsboro, Tennessee with Brother Danny Anderson and Brother Danny Freeman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Class of 1977 Reunion Fund. Make checks payable to: Class of 77 (#9177). On the memo line put: in memory of JON GESELL. Mail to: Teresa Wright, PO Box 215 Manchester, TN. 37349.
Until we met again, FLY HIGH - FREEBIRD!!!
Central Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gesell family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com