Jessie Lawrence “Bill” Painter, age 95, rejoined his beloved wife on Thursday, June 9, 2021. Jessie was born on March 3, 1926 in Roff, Oklahoma, the eldest of the 5 children of Luther Forest and Nora Ellen Armstrong Painter. Most of his early life was spent in the panhandle of Texas. The family was always working in the cotton fields, or on the farm.
Jessie was drafted into the United States Army walking infantry division in 1944. He served 18 months on the front lines in Germany. While in Germany his unit was hit with a mortar attack and he was wounded. He was sent to France for recovery and received the purple heart. Although everyone in his family has considered him a hero, he never saw it that way. As he stated it, “I just went and did what needed to be done, the real heroes never came home.”
Upon his return home after the war he married Nellie Weaver in 1948 (later divorced). Later, in life he met the love of his life, Dorothy Talbot, and the two were married in Elko, Nevada on November 10, 1976. They relocated to West Valley City, Utah. Jess and Dorothy made there home there until 1998, when they sold the house and moved to Delta.
When asked how many children he had, he would always answer “I helped raise 9”. Most of them have since scattered across the US. The number of nieces, nephews, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids is too numerous to count. He leaves behind a great legacy of love.
Jessie had many jobs throughout his long life. Helping in the cotton fields, and on the farm as a child. Later, driving an ice truck delivering ice to local communities. Working alongside his uncle and brother-in-law, he installed windows and siding for a time. His real passion was in truck driving. It has often been wondered how many miles have run under him in his 52-year career, finally retiring at 80.
Once he retired, he would spend many hours on the desert with Dorothy, rock hounding and enjoying each other’s company. Even as her health declined and she needed more and more care, he always saw her as the most beautiful, and best thing to ever happen to him.
Jessie was preceded in death by his wife: Dorothy; brother: Burl Painter; son: Steve Painter; daughters: Julie Thompson and Cindy Thompson; granddaughter: Kila Works; son-in-law: Fred Works; and many valued friends over the years.
Jessie is survived by his children: Billy Ray (Jan) Painter of Texas, Larry (Debbie) Painter of Kentucky, Cheryl Cervantes of Texas, Mark (Maryl) Thompson of Wyoming, Leslie Works of Delta, Joshua (Jennifer) Painter of Delta; sisters: Mary Kimmel of Oklahoma, Martha (MB) Bolden of Texas, and Fay Wortham of Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.
Funeral services will be held at the Great Basin Church of Christ building, 289 N Hwy 6 Delta, on Thursday, June 17 at 11:00 am. A Viewing will be held, 9:30-10:40, prior to the service. Friends are also invited to view the recorded video of the Funeral Service at: https://youtu.be/DnO4D43wKkM Burial with military rites will follow in the Sutherland Cemetery.