Jesse Clair Brasington, age 102 of Mt. Pleasant and Gilmore Twp., passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023. Jess was born on September 11, 1920 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of Ivan and Oleva (Gardner Walker) Brasington. He was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, class of 1940. Jess worked at the Exchange Saving Bank, Ferro’s and Yellow Coach and Truck in Pontiac before enlisting in the Army. He served from 1942 to 1946 with the 103 Division, Air Corps and the 542nd Parachute Glider Infantry; Jess was an Reserve Officer until 1953. On December 28, 1947 married Norma Vada Hayward at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant. Following his enlistment Jess worked for Dow Chemical Company, was a substitute Rural Mail Carrier, a Supervisor for Curtis Publishing Company of Philadelphia, PA., Manager of Sears in Greenville and Brasington’s Standard Oil in Mt. Pleasant. Jess was also an Insurance Agent for 7 years for Michigan Sery Corporation in Lansing, and 10 years as an Independent Insurance Agent, as well as running the family farm in Gilmore Twp. He had served as the Gilmore Twp. Supervisor and Assessor for 22 years. Jess enjoyed traveling in his Motorhome, hunting, golfing and playing cards. He and Norma liked to spend time at their Mobile Home in Fruitland Park, FL and his current home in New Port Richey, FL. Jess enjoyed racing Stock Cars in the 50’s and speed boat racing; he loved his motorcycles and especially his cottage at Silver Lake in Clare County since 1925. Jess was a lifetime musician, playing the piano and keyboard. He was a 77-year member of the American Legion and was also active in AMVETS, Moose Lodge, the Non Com. Officers Club and the Eagles. He was a Past President of the Lake Eagles Aerie 3761 and worked many years on local and state committees. In 1994 at the state convention, he was honored as Eagle of the Year for the State of Michigan and Western Ontario.
Jess is survived by his 5 children, Barry Lee (Nancy) of Rosebush, Michael Ivan (Sandra) of Farwell, Roxie Ann (Fred) Prout of Rosebush, Jon Craig and Randy “Amos” (Sue Huntoon) both of Farwell; 21 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and many great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, a son David, a half sister Pearl (Walker) Robinson, half brothers Alvah Edgar Walker and Harvey Herman Walker, a granddaughter Shain Brasington and a grandson Tony Bragdon.
Visitation will take place at the Farwell Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M. Services will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at the Funeral Home at 11 A.M. with Mr. Kelly Morley officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Gilmore Twp. Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Clare Farwell American Legion or the Rosebush American Legion. On-line condolences may be made left at www.stephenson-wyman.com