of Conway, AR

December 18, 1978 - June 11, 2023

Dr. Jason Daniel Thessing, Ph.D., 44, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on June 11, 2023 from injuries sustained in a home accident.

Jason was born into this world on December 18, 1978 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Dan and Janice Thessing. Except for his years spent in Fayetteville, Arkansas pursuing his Master's Degree and his Doctoral Degree, Jason was a life-long resident of Conway.

After graduating from Conway High School in 1997, Jason received his Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Chemistry and a Minor in Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas. While attending UCA, he was a member of the Chemistry Club and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Jason's passion for and excellence in the areas of Science and Math led him to widen his field by earning a Master's Degree in Business Management at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. While attending there, he gave peer reviewed presentations and developed a business plan for a company specializing in Nanotechnology. Because of Jason's growing interest in Nanotechnology, he continued his education until he reached the highest degree, a Doctorate in Physical Chemistry from the University of Arkansas. There he served on the Toxic Substances Committee and presented his published dissertation titled "Interparticle Influence on Size and Size Distribution Evolution of Nanocrystals". Jason was given the honor of being named "Group Captain'' of a world-renowned nanocrystal synthesis lab, where his research efforts led to new formulations describing nanocrystal behavior on the single digit nanometer size scale. He held the positions of a lab manager, teacher assistant and research associate during this time. He was highly regarded by his professors, his lab team and the students enrolled in his undergraduate courses, which led to him being honored with the IBM/Walley Cordes Teaching Assistant of the Year Award in 2003.

In his professional life, Jason used his chemistry and math skills as an Operational Manager in Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety Manager and Consultant at Maybelline, NN-Labs LLC., Snap-On Tools, Rheim Chmi and Safety and Environmental Associates, Inc.

Starting at a young age, Jason proved to excel in both academics and sports. He was an exemplary marksman in both the areas of target shooting and archery. His talent and dedication as an archer led him to not only win competitions at the state and national levels, but he placed 4th in the World Championship Youth Male-Release Tournament, which led to him being presented with an invitation to the Olympic Training Team for Archery. Jason was a skilled ping-pong player throughout high school and college. His passion for outdoor sports continued throughout his life, including his love for 4-wheeler adventures with family and friends. His favorite riding buddy by far was his son, Hunter, who was the light and joy of his life. Some of their favorite times together were spent riding 4-wheelers and playing swords. Jason also loved spending time with his step-daughter, Arielle. He enjoyed teaching her how to shoot her first bow and arrow, how to appreciate nature, how to iron and how to be her best self. He also instilled in her the value of hard work and the importance of achieving a higher education. On his numerous trips to visit his sister, Jessica and her family in Texas, he acquired a newfound taste for ranch life while working alongside his brother-in-law, Christopher Rister. His nephews, David and Daniel and his niece, Charlotte absolutely adored their Uncle Jason and looked forward to his visits.

Jason was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Frederick Theodore and Angele Anita LaRue Thessing; his maternal grandparents, Floyd E. and Norma Sue Carter and his Uncle, Bill Thessing.

Left to cherish his memory are parents, Dan and Janice Thessing; his son, Hunter Thessing; step-daughter, Arielle Appleby; their mother, Marium Dupree; his sister, Jessica Rister; brother-in-law, Christopher Rister; nephews, David and Daniel Rister and niece, Charlotte Rister. Also left behind are a host of aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom loved Jason deeply.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 15 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 9:00am followed by the funeral service at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway, Arkansas.

Officiating the services will be Judge Jim Baker and serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Thessing, Trey Thessing, Steven Thessing, David Plummer, Tom Makara, Jon Duvall, Jackie Jackson and Siraj Kahn.

In lieu of flowers, an education account benefiting Arielle and Hunter has been created at the Bank OZK under Dan & Janice Thessing.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com