Jack Clayton Hesseltine's Obituary
Jack Clayton Hesseltine’s earthly birthday was 11/28/1922, and his heavenly birthday at 103 years on 12/19/2025. Jack was born in Knoxville, Iowa to Claude Hesseltine and Gladys Warner Hesseltine. While growing up in Knoxville, Jack enjoyed baseball, football, roller skating, and playing the euphonium in the marching band. Jack loved spending as much time as possible at his Hesseltine grandparents’ farm in Lineville, Iowa. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1941.
Faith
Jack received Jesus as his Lord as a child. He lived the belief that Christ followers are the hands and feet of Jesus while on earth. He was a part-time pastor in New Mexico for a season, led a men’s bible study at his church for over 30 years, and led a weekly life group/bible study at his home since 1986. He had many roles in his church serving through church boards, ushering, tellering, building committee, and facilities manager to name a few. Jack lived his life knowing he might be the only Bible others read.
Community
Jack also loved serving others in his community. He was a member of Trinity Industrial Lion’s Club and ran the fundraising BINGO for years. The funds raised sent many vision-impaired children to camp and gave a blind pianist his first seeing eye dog. While involved with Lions Club, he served as treasurer, president, and District secretary. Jack coached little league baseball, softball, and soccer for his children and the community. He also served as commissioner for recreational children sports in Richardson. Jack’s final professional job was with Goodwill Industries of Dallas, arriving to work by 6:00 am to make sure the facility was open for all the wonderful people they served. After retirement, he volunteered for many years as the maintenance person for Our Friends Place and he continued to enjoy woodworking, golfing, and playing baseball into his 90’s.
Family
Jack was a family man who loved his biological family, church family, and family by choice.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, wives Mary Christian Smith and Dorothy Culver Hesseltine, brother Paul Hesseltine, daughter Lori Hesseltine, great grandsons Ethan Farnum and Harley Farnum, and great, great grandson Jayden Bryan.
His first-born daughter Naomi (Farnum) was born in Iowa to Jack and Mary. Naomi is the matriarch of his Iowa family which includes grandchildren Merle Farnum, Earl (Guy) Farnum (deceased wife Candy), and Christine Cook (husband William); great grandchildren Dustin Simerson, Ethan Farnum (deceased), Harley Farnum (deceased), Lacey Farnum, Alex Farnum (wife Katey), and Jazzmyne Cook; and great, great grandchildren Jayden Bryan (deceased), Zamia Reed, Dakota Farnum, Eric Farnum, Bella Moser, Scott Farnum, Arionna Reed, and Kayden Farnum. Jack’s Iowa family also includes sister-in-law Dinie Hesseltine, nieces Zoe Behrens (Jerry), Debbie Witmer (Dave), Teri Baltisberger (Tom), Paula Jo Surber (Ed) and their children and grandchildren; and his only surviving cousin Phyllis Hesseltine Barker.
Jack and Dorothy Culver Hesseltine were married for 49 years prior to Dorothy’s death. Jack’s Texas family includes son David, daughter Lori (deceased); David’s children Johnn Hesseltine (wife Emily), Alissa Carson, Cody Hesseltine (wife Kelsey), and Anna Wilder (husband Brendon); and great grandchildren Brody Carson, Liam Hesseltine, Elliott Hesseltine, Drake Carson, and Hadley Hesseltine.
Jack is survived by his wife Sue Thiers Hesseltine, and their Minnesota family.
Special thanks to Jack’s caregiver Ashleigh and VNA Hospice. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift in Jack’s name to Our Friends Place or Christ Church Rockwall.
Celebrate Jack’s life at his Memorial Service on 3/28/2026 at 2:00 pm at Christ Church Rockwall, or on Facebook Live at Christ Church Rockwall’s page.
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