Douglas Leo Esser, Sr.

Douglas Leo Esser, Sr., 76, of Ballinger passed away Friday evening, October 17, 2008 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

He was born October 7, 1932 in Fessenden, North Dakota to Sam and Rosella (Thronson) Esser. A special aunt and uncle, Tudy and Hank Thronson, raised Doug, and their children, Gayle, Jeanie, Byran, and Rita considered him a brother. He married Shirley Ann Ruswinkle December 31, 1975 in Petersburg, Michigan. Having served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps, he was later employed as a truck driver and worked in the oilfield. He was skilled at woodworking and enjoyed projects for the house and for his children and many grandchildren.

Mr. Esser was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lyle and Lloyd Esser; and sister, Bernadine Karantzos.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Shirley Esser of the home; children, Diane and Reg Carson of St. Port John Florida; Debbie Esser of Cocoa, Florida; Jackie and Barry Cobb of Melborne, Florida; Doug Esser, Jr. of Cocoa, Florida; Valerie Esser of Titusville, Florida; Cindy and Gary Rettmen, Linda and Rob Miller, Dawn Fournier, and Tammie Esser, all of Ballinger; Wanda and Jay Pittman of Corpus Christi; David and Lurlene Esser of Kerrville; and Timothy Esser of Bowling Green, Ohio. Also surviving are 33 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2008 at Avenue B Church of Christ with Max Pratt officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Joshua Ramey, Jeremiah Ramey, Justin Conger, Jack Conger, Donnie Trowbridge, and Kenneth Miller. Honorary pallbearers are John Avis, Jared Fournier, Cobey Esser, and Kevin Esser.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.