Herbert Irvin Jessie

Herbert I. Jessie was born on October 25, 1942 in Talihina, Oklahoma, to Henderson Jessie and Nacey Williams Jessie of the Kulli-Tuklo Community. The family moved to western Oklahoma, near Tipton-Frederick Area. They worked as migratory farm laborers moving to Herford, Texas, back to east central Texas areas, then back to Frederick, Oklahoma. While growing up Herbert worked on farm lands that produced cotton, wheat, maize, soy beans, and alfalfa. He attended Weaver High School and graduated from there in 1962. He married Lillie Fay Fobb and raised three children, Cheryl, Robert and Douglas. He was working as a skilled handcraft leatherworker when he was drafted into the military during the Vietnam war.

Herbert’s military career spanned from 1967-1989. He had his Basic Training at Ft. Polk, LA, advanced training at Ft. Belvoir, VA. He served 8 ½ years overseas, three tours in Germany, one in Korea. He served as a squad leader, Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Motor Sergeant, and Company First Sergeant. His last duty station was at Ft. Sill, OK, with the Polar Bear Merchanized Infantry, the only unit that fought in China during the 1930’s.

After retiring, Herbert and Lillie moved back to Idabel, OK, in the Kulli-Tuklo community. He began working for The Little Dixie Community Action Agency as a driver, then later became Center Coordinator for Idabel and Broken Bow Centers, from 1990-1998. Following that he worked as the Assistant Program Director for Choctaw Nation Housing Authority of Oklahoma till he retired in 2005. He also served as the Coordinator Commander of the Choctaw Nation Honor Guard for 16 years before stepping down due to health reasons and still served as a member when available. Herbert served as a Commander for the American Legion Post 008 in Idabel, OK, for two years, and served on The Board of Commissioners for the Choctaw Nation Housing Authority.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henderson and Nacey (Williams) Jessie; his wife, Lillie Jessie; children, Cheryl (Jessie) Stephan, Douglas Jessie; brothers, Harrison Jessie, Harry Jessie, Harvey Jessie, unnamed baby boy Jessie; sister, Mary A. Jessie.

Herbert is survived by his son, Robert Jessie and Cherie; sister, Susie Oliver and Eddie; his companion, Gloria Victory; a host of nephews, nieces and The Choctaw Color Guard.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 24, 2023 at Denison Cemetery in Idabel, OK.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitefamilyfh.com.

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