Jesse D. Storts, Jr.

Jesse D. Storts Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, left this world with calluses on his hands earned through a lifetime of hard work on July 3, 2026, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, after a courageous battle with cancer. His final weeks were spent doing exactly what he loved most: putting in an honest day's work at the ranch, balanced with well-deserved joy and fun with the family he loved so dearly. He is finally getting the rest that is so well deserved.

Jesse lived a full and generous life that touched countless people across his community and beyond. He was born on January 21, 1957, in Alexandria, Louisiana. He moved to Ardmore in 1970 and proudly graduated as an Ardmore Tiger from Ardmore High School in 1975. He attended Oklahoma State University for undergraduate studies and presided as president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jesse earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma Dental School in 1984 and moved back to Ardmore to begin his career. Jesse was a practicing dentist for over 40 years, dedicating his career to serving others with skill and compassion. He played an integral part in the dental community, most notably establishing the dental portion of the Good Shepherd Clinic alongside Dr. Tom McCulloh, ensuring that quality dental care reached those who needed it most.

His commitment to service extended well beyond his profession. Jesse served on many boards throughout the years, including the YMCA, which was such a big part of his life. He served his community both formally and informally, quietly leading by example. He treated everyone he encountered with integrity and worked to raise up those around him by challenging them to hold themselves to the same high standards he lived by every day.

Outside the office, Jesse was a man who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed beaches and scuba diving, also mountains and snowboarding. Most recently in January he was on a trip with his family proudly noting he was the oldest boarder on the mountain. He was happiest when he was hunting, fishing, or working at his ranch in Springer. He felt lucky in life if he had a good dog and a good horse, and that simple philosophy spoke volumes about who he was. He was full of life, generous to a fault, and never met a person he couldn't make feel welcome.

More than anything, Jesse was a family man. He was married to the love of his life, Mary Don, for 46 years. He loved watching his sons play sports growing up and sharing all of their interests with them into adulthood. He was best known as “Peppy” to his five grandchildren: Sophie, Maryn, Chris, Sam, and Ellie. He treasured every minute he could spend with them. His love for his family was the centerpiece of his life, and that love was returned many times over.

Jesse is survived by his wife Mary Don Storts; his sons, Jared Lee Storts and wife Amy, and Travis Michael Storts and wife Lauren; his mother, Jerry Storts; his sister, Salle Trimble and husband Paul; five grandchildren; and his nieces, nephews and their families, who will carry his memory and his spirit forward. He is preceded in death by his father Jesse Storts Sr. and brother Christopher Storts.

A dedicated member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Jesse found strength and peace in his faith throughout his life. His generous heart and joyful spirit were gifts he shared freely, and his legacy of service, love, and laughter will endure in the lives of all who knew him.

Family visitation will be held Tuesday July 7, 2026, at Craddock Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 6:00 PM. There will be a private family graveside service. The family has requested that memorial contributions in honor of Jesse’s memory be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 125 E Street SW, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 or the Ardmore Family YMCA 920 15th Ave. NW, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401.