Jesse Edward Fears

Jesse Edward Fears, age 90, of Tyler, died October 24, 2014. Visiting hours with family will be 9:30am to 10:30am Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 East First Street in Tyler. Funeral services will follow at 10:30am.

Jesse was born in Shidler, OK., to John William and Ola Catherine Fears on July 13, 1924. The family moved frequently during the depression, living in Shidler, OK., Bartlesville OK., Skelly Town, TX., Tuxedo OK., Shamrock, TX., and finally back to Bartlesville, where Jesse graduated from high school in 1942.

Jesse joined the Navy Air Corps, where he was stationed at various places. He was discharged August 1945 as a flight cadet. He married Kaye (Kathryn) Cordry in December 1945. He started college at Oklahoma University in January, 1946, majoring in chemical engineering. While in college, he was active as a student senator, president of the Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity, president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and vice president of engineering club. After graduating, he went to work for Sinclair Oil & Gas Co. at a gas processing plant near Arp. He was transferred to Tulsa, OK. After a couple of promotions, he moved to Midland. While there, Sinclair Oil & Gas merged with Atlantic Richfield Co.

In Midland, Jesse was active in leadership positions with the Boy Scouts. Jesse was named Engineer of the Year by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Permian Basin Chapter. He went on to Houston and became district gas plant superintendent for Atlantic Richfield Co. He was transferred once

more to Tyler where he retired in 1985. After retirement he volunteered for 12 years with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), and 9 years with Habitat for Humanity building houses.

Jesse is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Kaye Fears; their son, Peter Fears; and their daughter, Marty Koss. Peter and his wife, Reyna Fears, live in Fort Worth. Marty and her husband, Frank Koss, live in Plano. Grandsons are Travis & Paul Fears and Adam & Matthew Koss.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Tyler Catholic School Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 131175 Tyler 75713; or to the American Kidney Patient Association, 2701 N. Rocky Point Dr. #150, Tampa, FL 33607.