Raleigh Jessup

Memorials may be made to O'Fallon Historical Society or Cornerstone United Methodist Church. Raleigh Jessup, Jr., (Mr. O'Fallon/Mr. History) of O'Fallon, Missouri, died Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the age of 86. Beloved husband of the late Betty E. Jessup (nee: Hosack), loving father of 2 sons Kenneth (Naomi) Jessup, David (Pam) Jessup, a daughter Shirlee (Jim) Sickler, and a foster daughter Sally Johnson; cherished grandfather of 14, great-grandfather of 21 and great-great grandfather of 4. He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Jessup. Mr. Jessup served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 before moving to O'Fallon. Mr. Jessup was rightfully known as Mr. O'Fallon/Mr. History because of his vast knowledge and photo collection of O'Fallon. He served as an alderman from 1973-1983. In 1974 he was instrumental in the creation of the Historical Society and two years later suggested that they salvage a log cabin which today stands as the O'Fallon Historical Society. He served at one time as a volunteer fireman and also had the first trash hauling service in O'Fallon. In 1986 he was named Parade Marshall for the 4th of July Celebration. Mr. Jessup has worked timelessly for several years for the development of the Fort Zumwalt's fort in Fort Zumwalt Park, the first phase of the fort is near completion and plans for the second phase to be completed by 2012. After much research and collaboration with the Dept. of Archeology at the University of Missouri, Mr. Jessup built a replica of the fort. Today the fort is on display at the O'Fallon Historical Society located in Civic Park.