Ret. SFC Jessie Lynn Wafer, age 78 of Rowlett, TX, passed away November 9, 2019. He was born November 20, 1940, in Bristol, TX, to Thomas J. and Mae Alice (Brown) Wafer. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Jessie was a Detention Service Officer with the Dallas Sheriff's Department.

Jessie is survived by his wife: Rosa Wafer of Rowlett, TX; daughters: Janet Howell and husband Jeff of Waverly Hall, GA, and Cheryl Karr of Rowlett, TX; grandchildren: Josh Howell and Laura Mangin and husband Steve; great-grandchildren: Addie and Drake; and best friend: Rick Karr. He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings.

He was a very devoted, career soldier for 25 years in the US Army, doing two tours in Vietnam, where he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, United States Gold Medal, also being awarded 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Service Stars. His service with the Army also awarded him Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, as well as being an expert marksman.

He was stationed overseas in Germany, where he met Rosa Wollein, his wife to his last breath. They were married for almost 58 years having two children which he loved with all his heart. His last station, where he retired, was Fort Hood, Texas and eventually settling in the Dallas County area where he worked for the Sheriff's Department and retiring after 20 years. His retirement brought him back to his passions of family, fishing, and road trips.

He was loved so dearly by his family who will always remember all the good times, from dancing on his feet, being held when we cried to being walked down the aisle. He will be missed more than he could have ever imagined by his wife, Rosa, his daughters, Janet and Cheryl along with his two grandchildren, Laura and Josh and great grandchildren, Addie and Drake.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rowlett Location.