Laurence E Jestice

July 20, 1937 - December 16, 2019

Laurence Edward Jestice, age 82, of Laurel, Delaware passed away at his home on December 16, 2019. Laurence was born in Laurel, Delaware on July 20th, 1937 a son of the late Raymond Jestice and Myrtle Jestice. Laurence was a lifelong grain and poultry farmer. In his early years, he served in the National Guard. He was on the Board of Director for the Delaware Farm Bureau, a past member of the Broad Creek Grange, a member of the National Pork Producers Association, past member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Laurel, an active member of Gideons, attended Crossroad Community Church of Georgetown, a member of the Crossroad Cruisers, and lead the Sycamore 4H Club of Laurel with his late wife Elizabeth Jestice for over 32 years. One of his greatest passions in life was spreading the word of Jesus Christ. Laurence went on numerous missionary trips to spread the Gospel of Jesus in countries such as Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, and South Africa. He sponsored Teen Challenge, a local community outreach program, and loved to volunteer at homeless shelters, feeding those in need. Laurence further enjoyed riding his trike motorcycle with wife Marion, spending time with family, and would nearly always be seen wearing blue jeans and cowboy boots. Laurence is survived by his wife Marion Jestice of Laurel; daughter, Susan Jestice and her son Andrew Jestice; Gail Short (Ronnie) and their children, Jennifer Schwerin (Kenneth), Cassandra Brosnahan (Eric), and Randy Short; son Laurence Edward Jestice Jr. (Robin), and their children, Christopher Jestice (Caitlin), Melinda Bonniwell (Zachery). He is also survived by his brother James Jestice (Janet); sister-in-law Doris Jarrell; mother-in-law, Bertha Legates; brother-in-law Lawrence Legates Jr. (Margaret) and their children Jennifer Legates, and Lawrence Legates III (Katherine). Laurence is survived by many nieces and nephews along with eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his late wife Elizabeth Woodward Jestice, mother of their three children, in 1999; his sister, Ruth Foster (Kelly- husband deceased); his sister-in-law Marion Pierce (Harold- husband deceased); his brother-in law Thomas Jarrell (deceased). A funeral service will be held at Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, Delaware 19947 on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 2:00 pm. A viewing will also be held at the church from 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm for friends and family. Reverend Ronnie Wyatt will officiate. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Delmarva Teen Challenge, Gideons International, or Delaware Hospice.