Chief Jesse Eugene Yawn, 63, of Adrian, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Emanuel Medical Center. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 30, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend David Oliver officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 29, at Chapman Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Odomville Cemetery in Adrian.
Pallbearers are Justin Johnson, Gary Green, Jr., Brian Elbort, Michael Meadows, Danton Morris, Kenneth Odom, Zachary Larrimore, Tommy Webb and Wade Webb. Honorary pallbearers are Chief Yawn’s firefighter family and all local and surrounding county Fire Departments.
Jesse was born on September 10, 1960, in Shelby, Mississippi, in his parent’s home. Also known as “Pops”, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Jesse was a devoted Fire Chief, city council member, first responder, community helper and mechanic. He was a jack of all trades with a servant heart and was always available to those in need. Jesse grew up there in Mississippi and moved to Tennessee when he was 17 years old. In his early 20’s, he became a dedicated member of the Bradley County Fire and Rescue. Jesse was also a part of the Bradley County Sheriff’s department. In 2002, he moved to Georgia and began doing trail rides, and in a couple of years, became the main mechanic at Charles Garage in Adrian. He quickly became affiliated with Adrian fire department and became the fire chief there in 2009. Jesse began working for himself in 2012 and started Yawn Repair. He owned that business until he passed. Jesse was a helping hand to everyone and would give the shirt off his back to a stranger. He married the love of his life, Kathy, in 1997. They had 4 kids, 10 grandkids, and one great-grand. Jesse took care of everyone but especially his family. He was a great mentor and friend. Jesse always answered his phone and always responded to any call he was toned out to. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, community, and those who knew him. Jesse left behind a void in all of our lives, and the impact he made on each person will last forever. Chief Yawn is preceded in death by his parents, Elvin Levelle Yawn, Sr. and Maysie Elizabeth Yawn; and grandsons, Brandon Tyler Yawn and Zachary Ryan Yawn.
Chief Yawn is survived by his wife; Mary Katherine Yawn; of Adrian; sons, Jesse Eugene Yawn, Jr. and Dwayne Nathaniel Yawn (Carol), both of Cleveland, TN.; daughters, Amanda Elaine Yawn of Cleveland, TN and Theda Elizabeth Yawn of Adrian; brother, Elvin Levelle Yawn, Jr. (Debra); sisters, Peggy Sue Greenhaw, Margarette Yawn Morgan, Patsy Ann Sibly, Maysie Deloris Harvey and Sharon Gail Pallerine; grandchildren, Autumn Brianne Yawn, Haylee Marie Yawn, Dakoda Austin Yawn, Devin Alexander Yawn, Brooklyn Rose Yawn, Summer Dawn Burnette, Hunter John Burnette and Jesse Jex Rigdon; great-granddaughter, Sapphire Paisley Jade Blount; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements.
