David Walter Jessup

Dimondale, Michigan.

Dave died February 27, 2025 in Lansing, Michigan.  One of his most important and enjoyable pursuits was providing a safe and happy environment for his family. He is survived by children Cynthia Jessup Sewell (James) of Manchester, Mi.;  Sharon Grant (Brian) of Livermore, CA; and Donald (Cindy) Jessup of DeWitt, MI;  brothers Charles Jessup of Bay City, MI; and Jerry (Doris) Jessup of  Bloomington, IN;  grandchildren Ashleigh Sewell (Brian Halloran), Caitlin Sewell (Michael Graham), David Grant (Kyla), Andy Grant (Dana) and Liane Grant Sponberg (Eric) and Stephen Jessup (Karli Hnetynka), Michael (Jessy) Jessup and Laura Jessup  plus 11 great grandchildren,  numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Frances Neller Jessup, parents Francis and Helen Drushal Jessup and sister Betty Ann Jessup Vasold.

Dave was an avid gardener and grew an abundance of prize winning vegetables.  He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with his non-gardening friends. His love of gardening will be carried on by his granddaughter Ashleigh who called on his expertise as she was planting her raised beds and enjoyed heirloom seeds he had provided for her.

His love of the outdoors was not limited to gardening. He was an avid deer hunter and delighted in providing venison meals every year. Deer Camp was a special time enjoyed all his life. Many years of hunting with his father and brothers then showing the ropes to his son, grandsons and son-in-law in northern Michigan provided stories for the whole year.

He also enjoyed many trips on the water. Whitewater rafting with Mary or his brothers saw him on the Snake River, careening down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and the Futaleufu River on the border of Chili and Argentina. The thrill and excitement of the boiling water never grew old.

He graduated with a degree in forestry from Michigan State College where he joined Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.  He served in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Lieutenant.  He was employed as a District Forester with Abitibi Corporation in Alpena, MI before moving to the Lansing area as Vice-President of Walter Neller Ent. Inc.  He was highly respected in the construction business, served on the Board of Builders Redi-Mix and was active in Central United Methodist Church.  In 1984 he purchased McDaniels Sales Kitchen and Bath Center.

Services in celebration of his life will be held at Central United Methodist Church on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Linda Farmer-Lewis officiating.  The family will receive guests at the Church on Friday, the 7^th, for 1 hour prior to the service. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to The David and Mary Jessup Forestry Summer Camp Endowment Fund, Michigan State University, Department of Forestry (search “Jessup” in the fund search window).

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.