Jackie L. Dees

Jackie Luther Dees, age 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 26, 2013 surrounded by his loving family after an extended and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Jackie was the youngest son of Thomas Clifford Dees and Lida Mae (Brock) Dees, and one of eleven children. Jackie was born on his family farm in Knox County, Texas on February 4, 1936 and moved to Houston when he was 6 years old. There he attended Franklin Elementary, Edison Jr. High, and Milby High Schools.

Jackie proudly served with the Houston Fire Department for 29 years from 1955-1984 rising in the ranks and retiring as District Chief at the Houston Firefighter’s Training Academy and as HFD’s first Airport Coordinator.

“Granddaddy”, as he was affectionately known, loved washer-pitching, playing “42”, traveling with friends & family, camping, singing, woodworking, flying kites, “fixin” things, family reunions, homemade ice cream, the Houston Oilers, Astros, Rockets & Cougars, and most of all . . . spending time with his precious grandchildren.

Dad also loved his church. As a young man, he and his bride were founding members of the Cordell Rd. Church of Christ in Houston. For almost 30 years, they raised their family while attending Main St. Church of Christ in South Houston. His retirement years were spent attending the Westside Church of Christ in Pearland until Dad was no longer able to be present at services.

Jackie was preceded in death by his father and mother Thomas Clifford and Lida Mae (Brock) Dees; infant daughter Lida Faye Dees; brother and sister-in-law J. C. and Louise Dees, sister Naoma Evans, brother Lee Roy Dees, sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Ivan Thurman, brother Thomas Dees, brother and sister-in-law Lindy and Berthelle Dees, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Nell Sue Dees, sister Lou Mae Hallum, and brother Danny Dees; nephews Wayne Dees, Ray Thurman, Chuck Dees, and Jerrell Thurman; and niece Wanda Dees.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Josie Lavinia Dees; son and daughter-in-law David and Sheila Dees of Pearland, Texas, daughter and son-in-law Carol and Danny Bowers of Houston, daughter Jacqueline Dees Cowan of Houston, and daughter Elizabeth Ann Dees of Houston; Five adoring grandchildren: Jake Cowan, Christie Cowan, James Dees, Laura Dees and Samantha Bowers; sister and brother-in-law Sue and Geist Seymour of Greenville, Mississippi; sister-in-law Daisy Dees of Pearland, Texas; sister-in-law Van Dees of Nacogdoches, Texas; brother-in-law Ben Hallum of Crosby, Texas; and sister-in-law Edith Dees of Houston; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.