Jesse Francis Jolly, 85, of Decatur, died Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in St. Mary's Hospital.

Mr. Jolly was born July 2, 1926 in Glen Dean, KY, son of Samuel and Ruby (Wheatley) Jolly. A member of Saints James and Patrick Church, Jesse worked as an engineer for A.E. Staley Company retiring in 1985. He was an Army Air Corp veteran of WWII, friend of Bill W. for over 40 years, lifelong amateur radio operator (K9AWG) and member of Cenois Amateur Radio Club.

Jesse married Mary Agnes Derler August 13, 1949 and she preceded him in death in July of 1991. He then married Cecelia Coyle in November of 1991. Mr. Jolly is survived by his wife Cecelia of Decatur; children: Helen (Curt) Ferguson of Decatur, Alesia (Paul) Davenport of Indianapolis, IN, Lynette (Steven) Swanson of Brookfield, IL, James (Donna) Jolly of Mesquite, TX and Mary Frances Jolly (Scott Whitsitt) of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren: Rick Davenport, Zach Ferguson, Samantha Ferguson, Elizabeth Swanson and Peter Swanson; great grandchildren: Aiden and Emmett; brother, Charles (Carol) Jolly of Warrensburg; sister in law, Carolyn Jolly of Decatur and brother in law, Gene Wall of KY; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Jolly was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary; sons: Vincent and George; brothers: Samuel and Joseph and sisters: Regina and Colleen and his parents.

Obituary credit: written by family members