Joe Brown Chesser

Joe Brown Chesser of Dallas, Texas was called home to heaven February 18, 2019. It was 52 days following the loss of his bride of 68 years, Bonnie Chesser. Joe was born in Lockhart, Texas, January 26, 1926 to Jim Earl and Irene Brown Chesser. There were 5 children, James, Joe, Mary Lou, Patsy and Don. He spent his childhood on the family farm doing chores like milking cows, feeding chickens, chopping cotton, and gathering corn.
At the age of 15 he gave his life to Jesus Christ at a fall revival at Clear Fork Baptist Church and was baptized in the Clear Fork Creek. He graduated high school in 1944, was drafted into the Navy and spent 2 years on the USS Rockingham transporting soldiers to and from the battle with Japan. He spent 9 days under fire in Okinawa harbor.
After his return to Lockhart, his sister introduced him to Bonnie Baker and on September 16, 1950, the two were married in a double wedding ceremony with Bonnie's cousin. They made their home in Beaumont, Texas where he began his career of 33 years with Sun Oil Company.
While in Beaumont the family attended North End Baptist Church, where Joe served as an RA Leader and was ordained as a deacon. They made life-long friends at the church and in their neighborhood. After their move to Dallas, Joe continued his service to the Lord at Casa View Baptist Church, Dallas and First Baptist Church, Garland.
Following retirement, Joe worked several part-time jobs, including 11 years at the State Fair of Texas and 20 years for Raymond's BBQ. He enjoyed camping and raising honey bees.
Joe is survived by his Sister Patsy Askew, Brother Don Chesser, Son David Lewis Chesser and Wife Karol, Son Douglas Howard Chesser and Wife Denise, Daughter Carolyn Chesser Vandagriff and Husband Mark; ten Grandchildren, Kimberly Chesser Lombardi (Greg), Stephen Chesser (Ashley), Jonathan Chesser, Matthew Chesser (Rebecca), Phillip Chesser (Amber), Cooper Goldstein, Dane Goldstein and Audrey Goldstein, Zach Vandagriff and Erin Vandagriff; and nine Great-Grandchildren.
There will be a visitation at 10 AM and then a Celebration of Life at 11 AM, at FBC Garland, Texas, Friday, February 22, 2019. Burial will be Saturday, February 23, at 11 AM at the Lockhart City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association.