Jesse Bryan Caton, Sr.

In the early morning of January 8, 2024, Jesse Bryan Caton, Sr., 93, made his way home to the Lord. He passed peacefully at home in New Bern, North Carolina, surrounded by generations of beloved family. He was born on September 7, 1930, to a vibrant family of eleven brothers and sisters, all of whom have preceded him in death. Jesse enjoyed a childhood helping on the family farm and playing baseball for an American Legion Baseball team.

At 19, Jesse received the call to arms, joining the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. Following his arrival home, he married his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Essie Lee Caton (née Murphy), whom he has now joined joyfully in paradise. They welcomed two sons shortly after, Jesse Bryan Caton, Jr. born in 1955, and William “Billy” Grey Caton born in 1956.

In 1962 Jesse received the greatest call of all and joined the ministry, serving his community and the Lord for countless years, truly speaking and walking the path of Jesus. In addition to preaching the word, Jesse built a successful career in the plumbing trade, during which he installed the first Absorption Chiller at UNC-Chapel Hill and started his own company, Caton Plumbing, with his brother Bobby.

In his free time, Jesse enjoyed membership at the C & J Hunting Club and the Ernul Hunting Club, was a member of the American Legion, and rarely missed a Sunday afternoon spent with his extended family. Jesse Caton was a kind, gentle, and humble man who will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at Croatan Free Will Baptist Church (7028 US Hwy. 70 E., New Bern, NC). The service will begin at 1:30 PM with a graveside ceremony immediately following at Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery in Trent Woods. Visitation will be at the church from noon until 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your charity of choice to honor his memory.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Jesse Bryan Caton, Sr.