January 31, 2023, 83, Goldsboro –
Jesse Andrew Kissinger, 83, passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. He was born to the late Everett Jesse Kissinger and Nellie Ruff Kissinger on August 29, 1939, in Fairchance, Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, Jesse was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Richard Darden, and brothers, Jerry Kissinger and Tommy Kissinger.
Proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force, Jesse retired after 20 years of valiant service, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. Following his retirement from the military, Jesse continued work as a rural mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. Through his many years of delivering the mail, customers became friends. He always enjoyed greeting those he would see.
A big fan of football, Jesse’s pride showed black and gold as he was the biggest Steelers Fan. In his own rite, he enjoyed the game of golf, teeing off with friends every chance he got.
While serving our country and living in the beautiful state of Alaska, Jesse found a personal relationship with Christ and became a born-again Christian. Jesse shared and lived his relationship with the Lord. He led his wife and children to their personal relationships with Jesus Christ as their Savior. Studying the Bible and sharing his knowledge with Sunday School were ways in which he showed dedication to his Lord. Spending time reading scripture along with his wife was a great joy and blessing.
Recognizing the beauty unfolding in God’s creation, he held a great love for gardening and watching birds. Fishing was always a highlight, but any pastime was always made better with family by his side.
Possessing a deep love for music, Jesse and his family were deeply gifted musicians. Always playing an important role in their lives, the family recorded many songs to bless those fortunate to hear them.
A service to celebrate Jesse’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Dave Fishman officiating. A reception and time of visitation will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.
Jesse is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Marguerite “Pat” Kissinger; children, Michael Vaughn Kissinger and wife, Maria of Vancouver, WA, Vicki Kissinger Sparks and husband, Bobby of Williamsburg, VA, and Angela Kissinger Darden of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Sara Sparks Payne and husband, David, Lindsey Sparks Gregg and husband, Matt, Hannah Darden Millard and husband, Trey, and Kaylin Rebekah Darden; and great-grandchildren, Davis Max Payne, Brantley Lee Payne, Luke Reed Payne, Grayson Elliott Gregg, and Gavin Darden Millard.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in his memory to
Trinity Missionary Baptist Church
1086 NC Hwy. 111 South
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
