Jesse E. Truax, 93, died at home in Port Orchard, on June 3, 2013.

He was born Feb. 6, 1920, in Santa Rosa, Calif., to Joseph E. and Ruth E. (Wright) Truax. The family moved to Casper, Wyo., shortly thereafter. Jesse attended Natrona County High School and enlisted in the U.S. 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, Colo.

He trained in England and Ireland, landed at Normandy July 9, 1944, and fought across Northern France and Germany. He was awarded Silver and Bronze Stars for gallantry in action and outstanding service.

Jesse and Lavretta married Jan. 12, 1946, in Oakland. In 1948, they moved to Port Orchard. 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. At 91, he was the oldest participant in the 2011 Jingle Bell 5K Run-Walk in Port Orchard. Until three days before his death, he was in the gym six days a week.

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.

A celebration of life will be held at Rill’s Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard on Wednesday, June 19, at 1:30 p.m. Inurnment and Military Honors will follow at Sunset Lane Cemetery. A memorial webpage can be accessed at www.rill.com.