Ellis J. Kessinger

Funeral services for Ellis J. Kessinger, 90, of Diboll will be held Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services with military honors will follow in the Prairie Grove Cemetery.

Mr. Kessinger was born February 9, 1924 in Lufkin, Texas to Ellis Estes and Nola Elizabeth (Cole) Kessinger, and died Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in a local nursing home.

Mr. Kessinger resided in Diboll most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army and was a pipeliner for more than 50 years. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his wife of 71 1/2 years, Mildred M. Kessinger of Diboll; daughter, Joyce Crager of Lufkin; sons and daughters-in-law, George and Teresa Kessinger, Donnie and Cathy Kessinger, all of Diboll, and Albert and Cathy Kessinger of Knoxville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Dewey Crager, Dewayne Kessinger, Misty Modisette, Jennifer Kessinger, Anthony Kessinger, Rychell Kessinger and Justin Kessinger; 19 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Laura Brock of Hudson; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; three sisters; son, James Ellis Kessinger; great-granddaughter, Emily D. Weeks; and step-great-grandson, Chris Westmoreland.

Pallbearers will be Dewey Crager, Anthony Kessinger, Erick Weeks, Kevin Moore, Bill Anthony and Jeff Stewart.

Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Hales and Bill Wesley.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.