Jesse Avalos, 70, Leesburg, passed away Dec. 30, 2017, at Visiting Nurse Hospice in Fort Wayne.

He was born Dec. 18, 1947, in Decatur to Joe and Gaudalupe (Vasques) Avalos. He worked in the marine industry for many years retiring from Smoker Craft.

He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (Felipe) Flores, Warsaw; nine grandchildren: Heather (Marcus) Davis, Amy Ousley, Ronald (Bud) Ousley, Veronica (Ambrotin) Arnold, Jeremy Flores, Jennifer Moran, J.R Patino, and Nikki Stone; one brother, Pete Avalos, Milford.

He was preceded by his wife, Joyce Avalos, two children, one grandson, five sisters and four brothers.

Services will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5, at the Word of Truth Church in Milford.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. prior to the service.  Private burial will take place at the Milford cemetery.