Last updated on November 13, 2019
Ret. SFC Jessie Lynn Wafer, age 78 of Rowlett, TX, passed away November
9, 2019. He was born November 20, 1940, in Bristol, TX, to Thomas J. and
Minnie (Brown) Wafer. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Jessie was a
Detention Service Officer with the Dallas Sheriff’s Department.
Jessie is survived by his wife: Rosa Wafer of Rowlett, TX; daughters:
Janet Howell and husband Jeff of Waverly Hall, GA, and Cheryl Karr of
Rowlett, TX; grandchildren: Josh Howell and Laura Mangin and husband
Steve; great-grandchildren: Addie and Drake; and best friend: Rick Karr.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings.
He
was a very devoted, career soldier for 25 years in the US Army, doing
two tours in Vietnam, where he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam
Cross of Gallantry, United States Gold Medal, also being awarded 1
Silver and 2 Bronze Service Stars. His service with the Army also
awarded him Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal,
as well as being an expert marksman.
He was stationed overseas
in Germany, where he met Rosa Wollein, his wife to his last breath.
They were married for almost 58 years having two children which he loved
with all his heart. His last station, where he retired, was Fort Hood,
Texas and eventually settling in the Dallas County area where he worked
for the Sheriff’s Department and retiring after 20 years. His retirement
brought him back to his passions of family, fishing, and road trips.
He was loved so dearly by his family who will always remember all the
good times, from dancing on his feet, being held when we cried to being
walked down the aisle. He will be missed more than he could have ever
imagined by his wife, Rosa, his daughters, Janet and Cheryl along with
his two grandchildren, Laura and Josh and great grandchildren, Addie and
Drake.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rowlett Location.
