Jerry Dowe Chesser

Funeral services for Jerry Dowe Chesser will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Trinity Baptist Church in Natchitoches at 3 pm, officiated by Ron Thompson. Burial will follow at Ramah Cemetery in Ashland, LA. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Trinity Baptist Church from 5 pm until 8 pm. 

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Kaleb Chesser, Jared "Peanut" Chesser, Terry Chesser, Darren McCauslin, Chris Vienne, Andy Verzwyvelt, and Todd Munger. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Anders, Brian Burst, Lyle Malloy, Jarrod Norton, Mike Ogg, and Tim Moran.

Jerry Dowe Chesser, 58, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, took his final flight on April 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Jerry was born on October 17, 1966 in Shreveport, LA to Morris T. Chesser, Sr. and Margaret Holland Chesser. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lisa Ann Borders; and great-niece, Eva Martinez. He is survived by his sons, Kaleb Chesser (Alexis) and Jared “Peanut” Chesser (Ellie); his beloved grandson, Kullen Chesser; his brother, Terry Chesser (Mary); brother-in-law, James Borders; nieces and nephews, Rachel Williford (Cole), Bobbi Leigh Chesser, Taylor Chesser, Isabella Martinez, Dylan Lott, and Marcus Martinez; and the mother of his sons, Terri Solomon.

As a young man, Jerry proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where he worked as an air traffic controller. It was during this time that he gained the discipline, strength, and resilience that would shape every part of his life. The values he carried from the Corps became the foundation of the man his family and friends knew and loved — steady, dependable, and deeply loyal.

After his service, Jerry returned home and found his place in the skies as a crop duster. He owned and operated several flying services over the years, earning a reputation for hard work, reliability, and excellence in aviation. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there — Jerry was also the proud owner of Red River Tavern, a local spot that quickly became known for its welcoming atmosphere, good stories, and even better company.

Jerry was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, a loving brother, and a faithful friend. He loved with his whole heart and lived with a passion that couldn’t be missed. His smile lit up every room, and his loud, contagious laugh had a way of making everyone feel like they were right where they belonged.

He was the kind of man who never met a stranger, always had a story to tell, and believed in showing up — for family, for friends, and for neighbors. Whether he was sharing a joke, offering a helping hand, or holding his grandson close, Jerry gave his all in every moment.

Jerry knew God, and for those who share his faith, there’s comfort in knowing this goodbye isn’t forever. We’ll see him again one day, in a place where the skies are always clear.

His legacy is one of unwavering love, powerful laughter, and a life well-lived. Though he has taken his final flight, his spirit lives on in the stories we’ll keep telling and the hearts he filled with joy.

Semper Fi, Jerry. You may be gone from our sight, but you’ll never be gone from our hearts.