Jesse Carl "Sonny" Gilstrap

Funeral services for Mr. Jesse Carl “Sonny” Gilstrap, 80, of Farmerville, LA, will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 27, 2024, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe, LA. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the funeral home.

Jesse Carl "Sonny" Gilstrap was born on March 30, 1944, in Monroe, LA, and went to his heavenly reward on December 19, 2024, at home in Farmerville, LA. Mr. Gilstrap was an Army veteran of the Korean War, finishing his tour as a member of the 8th Army, Specialist 5th Class. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. 

Sonny was a graduate of Ouachita High School where he played football and was starting quarterback his senior year. He was a lifelong Lion and had the pleasure of watching the Lion's win a State Championship the year his youngest son, Brad, was a senior. 

Upon returning stateside, Sonny returned to the family business, Trenton Appliance, with his dad Jesse Gilstrap and his brother, Jim Gilstrap. He and his brother grew the business for 40 more years until he retired and sold Trenton Appliance to good friends, Richard and Terri Allen. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Carolyn Gilstrap; sister, Margie Heller; and son, Greg Gilstrap. 

Survivors include his wife, Jean Gilstrap; brother, Jim Gilstrap (Kathy); children, Terri Hearn (Rick), and Brad Gilstrap; grandchildren, Jake Hamner (Allison), Erica Hunt (Heath), Jessica Hearn, Garrison Gilstrap, and Ella Gilstrap; daughter-in-law, Staci Gilstrap; great grandson, Max Hunt; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Pallbearers will be Brad Gilstrap, Rick Hearn, Jake Hamner, Garrison Gilstrap, Heath Hunt, and Connor Dubevic.

Memorials may be made to the Veterans Home of Monroe, LA.