Jesse "Van" Munsey

Jesse Van Munsey, 89, a resident of Gulf Shores, Alabama, formerly of Carmi, IL, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Jesse,“Van” as he was known by all, was born in Carmi, IL on March 21, 1936. He attended primary school in Carmi, IL and high school in Grayville, IL, graduating with the Class of 1954. He then attended Eastern Illinois University where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Education and met the love of his life, Nancy Rose Apple, of whom he wed on August 11, 1957 in Newton, IL. He later acquired his Master’s Degree at Murray State University, in Murray, KY. 

He began his career in teaching in the small town of Enfield, IL, where he taught Driver’s Education, P.E., and coached for two years. He then accepted a teaching position in Grayville, IL where he taught until his retirement. He touched the lives of many with his patience and dedication to teaching, whether he was in the classroom, on the road, or coaching his grandson’s little league baseball team. 

Van was an avid sports fan, outdoorsman, and traveler. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating on the Wabash River and later, The Intercostal Waterway in Gulf Shores, AL. He and Nan spent their retirement years traveling, often with close friends, Jim and Carol O’Donley, to destinations such as the Emerald Isles, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and China. His was a life well lived. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, James Thomas Munsey and Mona Vernel (Logan) Munsey, and a daughter, Rhonda Lea (Munsey) Oswald. 

He is survived by; his wife of 68 years, Nancy Rose (Apple) Munsey, a son, Douglas (Carla) Munsey of Carmi, IL, four grandchildren, Kyle (Candace) Munsey of Albion, IL, Jessica (Matt) Lenon of Carmi, IL, R.J. (Anna) Oswald of Marietta, GA, Dr. Jonathan (Kyle) Oswald of Portland, ME, six great-grandchildren, Jaxon Lenon, Maleah Munsey, Gracyn Lenon, Barrett Munsey, Beau Munsey, and Asher Oswald. Along with many other loving relatives and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY 
WOLFE-BAYVIEW 
FUNERAL HOMES 
& CREMATORY, INC. 
2551 S. MCKENZIE ST. 
FOLEY, AL 36535 
(251) 943-2391 
www.wolfefuneralhomes.com