Jesse Dwaine Helzer was born March 10, 1930, on the family farm northwest of Thomas, to Jesse and Violet (Wanzer) Helzer, and passed away August 19, 2024, at Corn Heritage Village of Weatherford, Oklahoma, at the age of 94 years, 5 months and 9 days.

Jesse grew up on the family farm, attended Parallel School through the eighth grade, and graduated from Thomas High School in 1947. He married Henrietta Didier from Fay on June 14, 1947. They made their home on the family farm northwest of Thomas, in Dewey County, where they raised their three children. Jesse devoted his entire life to farming and ranching before moving to Thomas during his retirement years. He was a member of the First Christian Church.  Jesse enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing card games with family and friends. He was an avid reader of history books and Western novels, and enjoyed listening to country music. Jesse and Henrietta celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary this year before his passing.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Henrietta Helzer; daughter, Deana Garner and husband, Don; son, Steve Helzer and wife, Joy; daughter, Kathy Sweeney and husband, Tom; sister, Shirley Combs; brother, Gary Helzer and wife, Monica. Grandchildren: James Garner and wife, Kristi; Deena Craighead and husband, Cliff; Kelli Doty and husband, J.J.; Teena Rodgers and husband, Jimmy; Stephen Helzer and wife, Janette; Krista Taylor and husband, Lane; Kaitlyn Cameron and husband, William. Great-grandchildren: Gaige Reese and husband, Baron; Lauren Brown and husband, Michael; Kenzie Craighead; Daeven and Rhys Cameron; Hudson, Graham, and Aubrey Taylor; Ashley O'Brecht; Josh Doty; Macee and Ryann Richardson; and Camden Helzer. Great-great-grandchildren: Madalynn Kellogg; and Braxton and Weston O'Brecht. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Violet Helzer; sister, Eileen Ames; and brothers-in-law, Lyle Combs and Jim Ames.