Jesse Zern Allen Deats

Jesse Zern Allen Deats, 89, of Windham Twp., (LeRaysville Rd) Rome, PA passed away peacefully, with his family at his side on Thursday, November 3, 2011. Jesse was born on July 8, 1922 in Moore Township, Northampton Co., Pennsylvania a son of the late Zern Jacob Deats and Mabel Mae Kromer Deats. Jesse spent his youth in Gilletts Bridge and was a graduate of Rome High School. Following graduation, Jesse enlisted into the US Army where he served his country proudly during WWII. He served in the Army headquarters division of the 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Jesse served in North France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe and the battle of the Bulge. On July 13, 1946, at the United Methodist Church in Nichols, Jesse married Anita S. Churchill. He was a carpenter and was employed at the Ingersol Rand, Endicott Lumber and Box. In addition, he also was a machinist at K. Heins Machine Shop and Universal Instruments. Many will remember Jesse, for his service to others by installing and servicing oil furnaces. Jesse was a member of the Wappasening Grange #188 and the Nichols United Methodist Church. Jesse enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing and visiting with friends and neighbors. Jesse is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anita S. Deats, his daughter Sylvia M. Deats; several nieces, nephews and their families; sisters-in-law: Jean Deats, Wanda Rice; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Norman and Jean Churchill. He was predeceased by his brother Philip Deats, sisters: Dorothy Bull Carter, Ethel Rifenberg, brothers-in-laws: Jack Rifenberg, Clarence "Nick" Carter, Malcom Bull,, Ray Stever; special friend and brother-in-law: Frederick Rice; sister-in-law Thelma Stever; nephews Donald Deats and James Churchill. Funeral services and a celebration of Jesse's life will be held on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 1pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols with Pastor Leann Campbell, officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Home Cemetery. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Thursday, November 10th from 6 to 8 pm at the funeral chapel. Memories and condolences may also be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Hezekiah Hands, 318 State Street, Towanda, PA 18848 or the North Orwell Union Church, c/o Pastor Leanne Campbell, 986 Main St., Rome, PA 18837 or a charity of one's choice, in loving memory of Jesse Zern Allen Deats.