Jesse James Zuech, age 95 of Purcell, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at the Norman Veteran’s Center.
Jesse was born December 4, 1918 in Phillips, OK, 1 of 9 children born to Frank and Ida Zuech. He grew up a farm boy, and learned at an early age the value of hard work. Jesse joined the United States Army and later the Air Force, and proudly served his country during both World War II and the Korean War. He married his best friend and true love; a young lady from Cottonwood, OK named Catherine Louise Maggia, on November 29, 1951. Together they raised two sons, James and Louis. Jesse worked in aeronautics at Tinker Air Force base as a jet engine mechanic. He retired after more than 34 years of dedicated service. In 1966, Jesse and Catherine purchased a small acreage and moved to Purcell. Jesse loved tending to his vegetable garden and his peach trees, and was known in the community for his potatoes and onions. He was a longtime member of the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a wonderful husband and father; grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be dearly missed!
He was preceded in death by: His wife, Catherine Zuech in 2011; His parents, Frank and Ida Zuech and Siblings, David, Sara, Elsie, Louis, Edwin, Michael and Pauline.
Jesse leaves behind:His sons, James Zuech and wife Carlene of OKC and Louis Zuech and wife Mary of Purcell; Sister, Wilda Mae Chancy of Duncanville, TX;
5 grandchildren,Josh Zuech and wife Sarah of Moore, Christopher Zuech and wife Kelly of Plano, TX, Amber Hines and husband Roy of Purcell, Michael Zuech of Purcell and Melissa Burrough of Purcell; 3 great grandchildren, Jackson, Aedan and Lucas; Many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.