Jerry Whitfield Chesson

1944 - 2025

Jerry Whitfield Chesson

1944-2025

Jerry Whitfield Chesson went to be with his Lord and Savior on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. "Whit," as he was known later in life to his family and friends, ended his earthly journey in peace and comfort knowing he was being called home into the loving arms of Jesus.

Whit was born in Bedford, Virginia, on November 15, 1944. As a child he loved playing baseball. Whit was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, obtaining a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, he entered the Army during the Vietnam Era. After spending two years in the service, he realized that his purpose was elsewhere. He found his calling with life and financial planning, ending his career with Mass Mutual. Whit had a long career helping families plan for their futures and the inevitable. He brought security and peace of mind to his many clients.

Whit had multiple passions, but his greatest was his dedication to Jesus Christ. He showed his commitment to his faith by participating in Kairos, The Salvation Army, local prison ministry, and Henderson Work Settlement. Whit helped implement and organize mission trips to Frakes, Kentucky, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Jesus Christ was Whit's anchor. He believed in the power of love and forgiveness, which he displayed through his faithfulness and devotion to these organizations.

Whit enjoyed conversing with people, pulling their leg, and joking with them. He was a ham. He loved to sing boisterously and off-key. He loved to tell people he won a Prettiest Baby contest because his grandfather bought Coca-Cola for everyone at the soda counter. Later, he tried to recant that story, but we feel he did win fair and square without the help of his grandfather because of those dimples.

Whit was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Irene (Fizer) Chesson; siblings, Mary Jean (Maurice) Kennedy, Barbara Burnett; and his loving wife, Barbara (Legros) Chesson. He is survived by his two children, his son, Jerry (Brandy) Chesson, and Brooke (Montgomery) Riedel; his grandson, Levi Chesson, who brought much laughter and joy to his life; his brother, John (Judy) Chesson; and his special friend, Kris Marshall. Members of the family and friends kept Whit in laughter and love in his last moments.

A celebration of life will be held from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., on August 15, 2025, at Fort Meigs, located at 29100 W. River Rd. (OH-65), Perrysburg, OH 43551. Whit loved history, especially military history, so celebrating at Ohio's battlefield of the War of 1812 seemed perfect. Please join us for a light luncheon as the family invites you to brighten our lives in our time of grief by sharing your happiest memories of Whit. Please wear maroon or orange to celebrate Whit's memory and pride in being a Hokie.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Henderson Settlement, PO Box 205, Frakes, KY 40940, or Ohio's Hospice, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420.