Jesse Erwin Truax

Jesse E. Truax, 93, died at his home in Port Orchard, WA on June 3, 2013 He was born February 6, 1920 in Santa Rosa, CA to Joseph E. and Ruth E. (Wright) Truax. The family moved to Casper, WY shortly thereafter, where Jesse attended Natrona County HS and enlisted in the US Army in April 1940. He was accepted into Officer Candidate School and commissioned a 2nd Lt. in November 1942. He met his future bride, Lavretta J. Hughes, in April 1943 while stationed at Camp Carson, CO. He trained in England and Ireland, landed at Normandy July 9, 1944 and fought across Northern France, the Ardennes during the “Battle of the Bulge”, and into the Rhineland of Germany with the 5th Division. He was awarded Silver and Bronze Stars for gallantry in action and outstanding service.
Jesse and Lavretta were married in uniform January 12, 1946 in Oakland, CA, the day after each separated from the military. They enrolled at the University of Wyoming to study geology, but in 1948 moved to Port Orchard to build their life together. Jesse worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, retiring in 1976 as Production Control Supervisor. His passion was his family, along with woodworking, gardening, sailing, boatbuilding, golf and fitness. He belonged to the Port Orchard Yacht Club for many years, and at 91 was the oldest participant in the 2011 Jingle Bell 5K Run / Walk in Port Orchard. Up until 3 days before his death, he was in the gym, six days a week, with his best friend and workout partner Dale Messerschmitt.
Jesse is survived by his son Jerome (Melinda) Truax of Edmonds, daughter Bridget Haney of Bremerton, grandchildren Sarah, Aaron, Nicole, Michael and Matthew, great grandchildren Amani, Amyah and Bella, and extended family around the country. He was preceded in death by his wife Lavretta, sisters Jeannette and Olive, brothers Leo “Bryce” and Eldred “Swede”, and his parents.
Jesse will be remembered by family and friends for being a kind, generous and loving man. During the last six years of Lavretta’s life he cared for her daily at Ridgemont Terrace Nursing Home. They were married for 60 years.
A celebration of life will be held at Rill's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard on Wednesday, June 19th at 1:30 pm. Inurnment and Military Honors will follow at Sunset Lane Cemetery. A memorial webpage can be accessed at www.rill.com .