Jesse Clay Bazzell, 49, of Festus died April 17, 2026. Mr. Bazzell served as a sergeant in the 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq during both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. He was a member of Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment ("Blackhawks") within the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team ("Greywolf"), where he served as a fire support specialist and gunner in Mosul. For his service, he was awarded the Combat Action Badge and inducted into the Order of the Combat Spur. He was a two-time recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, recognized for the leadership and merit displayed throughout his military career. Following his military service, he worked as a long-haul trucker for BTC. He was known for his intellect, wit, resilience, easy-going nature and strong work ethic. An inspiration to his younger siblings, they followed in his footsteps of participating in the choir, theater and on the ballfield. He enjoyed reading, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and playing trivia. Most of all, he loved spending time with family. Born Oct. 10, 1976, in St. Louis, he was the son of Dennis Clay (Lisa) Bazzell and Vicky Lowry.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by five siblings: Jonathan (Sarah) Bazzell, Joseph (Jennifer) Bazzell, Julia (Keith) Jenkins, Emma Fraley and Shane Fraley; and his nephew and best buddy: Oliver Clay Bazzell.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at noon Friday, April 24, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary in Cedar Hill.