Jesse M Duckett

Mr. Jesse M Duckett, 82, of Hope, Ark., passed from this life Monday, October 12, 2020, at Wadley Medical Center in Texarkana, Texas. Jesse was born November 7, 1937, to Thomas William and Hazel Christine Rogers Duckett in Benton, Ark. He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 59 years, Jennie Sanders Duckett and an infant daughter, Melissa Sue Duckett; his brother, Thomas "Tim" Duckett; sister-in-law, Betty Quillin Duckett; and nephew, Mark Duckett. He is survived by his sister, Sue Duckett Smith; nephew Johnny Duckett and wife Karen; niece Julie Duckett Lively and husband Steve; four great-nephews; Brian Duckett of Little Rock, Ark., Matthew Duckett of New York, N.Y., William Lively (Jenny) of Tolar, Texas, Clinton Lively (Melanie) of Fulton, Ark.; one great-great niece, Tula Maxine Lively. Jesse always had an interest in agriculture from a young age he kept horses and cattle. After graduating from Hope High School in 1955, he worked with his father and brother in land excavation and pond building. He later found himself traveling the country with Winrock Farms showing Santa Gertrudis cattle. Jesse found the love of his life, Jennie Sanders and married November 26, 1959. They traveled to Louisiana and around Arkansas as Jesse worked for several Hereford farms showing their cattle. Finally, they settled back in Hope, Ark., where Jesse discovered a love for real estate and became a licensed agent, broker and appraiser. He and Jennie later purchased the Byers Abstract and Title Company and also established Duckett Farms. Jesse and Jennie were quite fortunate to be able to spend every day building their business and farm. Jesse later became interested in Shorthorn Cattle, he and Jennie purchased a registered herd and traveled extensively showing their cattle and winning many Championships while becoming well known in the Shorthorn Cattle circles. Jesse served for many years on the National and Arkansas Shorthorn Association Boards. But their greatest joy came from helping their nephews, Mark Duckett, Danny Sanders, Brian Duckett, and Matthew Duckett to grow and show their own champion Shorthorn herds. Jesse was well known at the state, district, and county fairs he would always be there to help and give advice to the young cattle showmen, even supplying them with animals to raise and show. Jesse was a big supporter of 4H and Future Farmers of America. He was awarded an Honorary State FFA Degree which is the highest honor at the state level given to an individual, during the State FFA Convention, Camp Couchdale, 2009. Jesse was active in his community serving on the State, District, and Hempstead County Fair Boards for many years. He was a member of the Hempstead County Cattlemen's Association. He was a member of Hope Rotary. He was also a lifetime member of Garrett Memorial Baptist Church where he was instrumental in the purchasing of the new church property and building of the new building. He was a member of the Iris Warren Sunday School Class for more than 60 years. No Family visitation is planned at this time. Funeral service is 10 a.m., Friday, October 16, 2020, at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest with Bro. Clif Johnson and Clint Lively officiating. Burial to follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel Director. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: American Diabetes Association 320 Executive Ct. 104, Little Rock, Ark., 72205, or UAMS Cancer Research 4018 West Capitol Ave. Little Rock, Ark., 72205.