Don K. Jessup

March 26, 1934 – Feb. 1, 2022

Don K. Jessup, age 87, of Sheridan, passed away at home on the morning of Feb. 1, 2022.

Born March 26, 1934 on the family farm homestead, he was the son of the late Lester Jessup and Mary (McDonald) Jessup. News of his birth spread quickly after the local newspaper mis-printed that he weighed in at 80 lbs.

Mr. Jessup graduated from Sheridan High School in 1952. During his high school years he was involved in many activities: 4-H; Poultry judging, where in 1951 Don placed 1st in the nation; Boys’ Council; Class Sergeant-at-Arms; Class Vice-President; S Club; and of course, Sheridan football, where he lettered playing tackle. After graduating, he joined the United States Army and served for two years.

Mr. Jessup married Donna Nicholson on March 17, 1956.

After serving our country, he returned home to Sheridan to work on the family farm. The farm kept the Jessups busy for many years and eventually turned to hog farming with prize winning Hampshires. A championship legacy began in 1963 when Mr. Jessup helped his brother Dale win the Grand Champion 4-H Barrow. In 1964 he had the Grand Champion Barrow as well as Grand Champion pair of Barrows at the Indiana State Fair open show. The legacy continued with his son Garry, who won Grand Champion 4-H Barrow in 1968. In 1970, Mr. Jessup had the Grand Champion boar at the National Type Conference. That was also the year he won the Carcass Division at the Hoosier Spring Barrow show.

Jessup & Jessup Farms also produced corn, soybeans and wheat until 2003, when Mr. Jessup retired from farming. He was also one of Pioneer Hi-Bred’s top Seed Sales Reps, taking over the dealership from his father and working another 20 plus years.

Mr. Jessup was a member of the East Union Christian Church. He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and family lake trips, which he did until his early 80’s. A highlight of his snowmobiling days was a trip where he and Donna snowmobiled in Yellowstone National Park. He also enjoyed sports, especially football. He was extremely proud watching his grandsons contribute to the number of Blackhawk state championships added to the water tower. Family was his true passion and he especially loved watching his granddaughters sing and perform. His latest joy was spending time with his great-granddaughter, playing, laughing, and talking together.

Survivors include his loving wife, Donna Jessup of Sheridan; brother Dale (Sandy) Jessup of Greencastle; sons Garry (Lea) Jessup of Sheridan and Chris (Jody) Jessup of Sheridan; Grandchildren Dayne (Jenna) Jessup of Kirklin, Taylor (Sam) Newblom of Carmel, Jake Jessup of Sheridan and Erin Jessup of San Diego, California; and great-grandchild Darby Jessup of Kirklin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary (McDonald) Jessup.

Visitation is scheduled to be held from 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Thu., Feb. 10, 2022 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th Street, Sheridan.

Funeral Services with Military Honors is currently scheduled for 11 a.m. on Fri., Feb. 11, 2022 at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Mark Knapp will be officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in Don’s name to East Union Christian Church, 1711 E. 296th Street, Atlanta, Ind., 46031 or the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org