Jesse Lee Coykendall, 29, of Marion passed away on Monday, August 4, 2014 after his second battle with Melanoma. Jesse was born on January 3, 1985 to Larry and Robin (Howell) Coykendall of Marion.
Jesse received his certificate of completion of Collision Repair from Tri-Rivers Career Center and was a graduate of Harding High School. On May 20, 2003 he started dating Andrea Aldridge. They were married on May 19, 2007, and welcomed their daughter Ariya Ann Coykendall into the world on October 9, 2012. Jesse always considered Andrea and Ariya his “saving grace.”
Jesse was employed at Whirlpool Corporation from April 2007 until he was re-diagnosed in November of 2012. He touched many lives while he was there and made many friends who have supported and prayed for him throughout his last journey.
In his spare time, Jesse loved to play music with his “red beard brother” Todd Angles. He also wrote songs, fished, tinkered in the garage; but most of all he loved to lay on the couch with Ariya watching cartoons and snacking.
Jesse is survived by his wife Andrea, their daughter Ariya, his parents Robin & Larry Coykendall, brother Allen (Robbie) Coykendall, sister Holly Raver, in-laws Deb & Steve Aldridge, brother-in-law Paul Aldridge, three nieces, two nephews, grandparents and many extended family. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Donald Coykendall, maternal grandmother Gearleen Howell, and uncle Patrick Howell-who also fought the battle of Melanoma.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kendra, Dr. Wutherick , Dr. Ringle and Dr. Islam at the James Cancer Center for giving Jesse time with us the past 21 months and for all of their hard work in making sure he got to enjoy his daughter’s life to the fullest while he could. A big thank you to Karyn Smith and Wendy Wittman who helped get Jesse back to Marion for the last few months. Diane, Penny, Dave, Heather and Jon of Acclaim Hospice, and the staff at Marion Pointe-especially Mary; who admitted Jesse, and was the last nurse to care for him as well. You will always hold a special place in Andrea and Ariya’s hearts.
Jesse will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, but he is now playing guitar in heaven with his friend Brandon, and that is one journey we are sure he was happy to make.
Visitation will be from 10AM until Noon on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors with a service immediately following. Rev. David M. DiPietro will officiate. If you have a Melanoma shirt honoring Jesse, please wear in support of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to put in an account for Ariya’s future, as he always was concerned that she would be taken care of, no matter what happened to him. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gunderhallandfolk.com.
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