Raymond Fessler

Raymond C. Fessler, 95, left this world to be with his creator on Friday, March 22, 2013 in Mexia, Texas. Funeral services will be 3PM, Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Mr. Larry Dickens and Mr. Neil Bond officiating. Interment will follow in the Shiloh Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Craig Tatom, Danny Bloom, Russell Maggard, Eric Maki, Brady Walker and Blake Walker. Raymond was born on September 20, 1917 in Godley, Texas to Ray and Eva Fessler. Over the next years of his life, he lived in Oklahoma and Texas. He attended grade school in Tehuacana and Wortham, then Forest Glade and finally attending Mexia High School where he was a member of the 1935 state qualifying football team; he graduated in 1936. Raymond talked often of the fact that the summer after graduation he worked for the company that built the original overpass in Mexia. That fall, he attended Westminister College in Tehuacana where he played football. In 1939, Raymond joined the Army and was a member of the 143 Regiment Company B-36 Division, he helped to build the camp in Brownswood. Later he trained troops in Fort Blanding, Florida and walked to the Carolinas. In 1941, he married Mildred Morgan of Shiloh. He finished his time in the Army in North Africa where he was injured and discharged on December 23, 1943. After various jobs, including Lockhead Martin in Dallas and Crown Central Petroleum in Houston, he became a policeman in Mexia. This is where he found his calling. Raymond worked for several state agencies from 1948 to 1950 as an undercover agent and for the Liquor Control Board. Around 1953, he went to work for TPRR and moved all around Texas down to New Orleans. In 1974, he became Chief for Houston Belt and Terminal, he retired in 1982 and he and Mildred moved to Tehuacana. He led an active life for 23 more years as a city councilman, fire fighter and volunteer. He started two chapters of AARP in Limestone County and was a district director in 1995. He resigned in 1998 and became a volunteer for the Hospice of Mercy. He was named volunteer of the years twice. He retired in 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Eva; and wife of more than 50 years, Mildred Morgan Fessler. Raymond is survived by his son, Ray Morgan Fessler and wife, Nancy of Marshall; daughter, Patricia Carona and husband, Michael of Humble; and granddaughters, Jennifer Ann Tatom and husband, Craig and their two children; Genny Lynn Lawson and husband, Kent and their two children; Janel Hope Bloom and husband, Danny and son; Jessica Forrest Maggart and husband Russell and four children; Lisa Sharp Montgomery and husband, Matt and two children; Jodie Morgan Maki and husband, Eric and two children; and Amanda Sharp. Raymond led a remarkable life and will be missed.

Visitation Details

Sunday, March 24th, 2013 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home

Service Information

Sunday, March 24th, 2013 3:00pm, Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home