Jesse J. Otworth
FRANKLIN FURNACE-Jesse J. Otworth, 89, of Franklin Furnace went home to be with the Lord with his loving family surrounding him on February 9, 2021 after an extended illness. Born to Nova Jane Hall Otworth and Henry Andrew Otworth, both of whom proceeded him in death, he was a life-long resident of Franklin Furnace. He was a devoted husband of 66 years to his wife, Hazel, who proceeded him in death. He is survived by his three sons Randy, Keith (Freida Gleim), and Russell (Lisa Timberlake). He was also proceeded in death by a sister Jean Otworth Pierce and a brother William Andrew Otworth.
He is also survived by many other family members including Keith’s daughter Jessica Dawn Stafford and her three children, son Hunter (Kirsten Keizer), and their daughter Paisley; son Colton, and daughter Olivia; his son Keith Andrew JR (Kayla Mays) and their two children Wade and Cheyenne; son Russell and Lisa’s two children, Joey Erwin and Erica Burton (JD) and her 3 children Tatum, Olivia, and Briar. Additionally, he is survived by sisters, Frances Otworth Shepherd, Henrietta Otworth Salyers, and Diane Otworth Derifield.
He was a former Green Township Trustee, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps as a civil servant, a Kentucky Colonel, and a veteran of the Korean War. He was retired from Ashland Oil and was an active farmer for most of his life. He loved traveling with his family and friends and was an avid fisherman, never turning down an opportunity to enjoy a fishing trip near or far. He was known for his love of working complex puzzles, reading Western paperback books, and watching movies with Western themes, and making home made wine as a pastime. Jesse never knew a stranger or refused a helping hand to those in need. He will be missed by his many friends and acquaintances.
Graveside services will be held 1:00 PM Friday, February 12, 2021, at Junior Furnace Cemetery with the Reverend Roger Lavender officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00-12:30 at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg with graveside services at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jesse’s name to SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.
