William James Cessnun Jr.

Soldotna resident William James Cessnun Jr. died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, surrounded by his family at his home in Soldotna after a long battle with lymphoma. He was 70.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at the Kenai Bible Church, 600 Main St. Pastor Vance Wonser will officiate. A reception will be held downstairs immediately following the service. Honorary pallbearers will include Gene Jones, Don Frame, Don Brown, Joe Rousewell, Matt Neel, Brad Frates, Billy Cessnun, Guy Holland, Tex Cole and Jerry Hobart.

Mr. Cessnun was born March 25, 1933, in Dalhart, Texas, where he attended high school and received his diploma. He furthered his education at Texas A & M after receiving a football scholarship. He entered to U.S. Army and served during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged April 15, 1955.

Mr. Cessnun met his wife, Elaine, in church, and they were married at the First Baptist Church in Spearman, Texas, on July 28, 1956. Together they spent 13 years in Texas before moving to Kenai in 1969. He lived in Kenai for 26 years and moved to Soldotna seven years ago.

Mr. Cessnun worked as an operator at Unocal from 1970 until he retired in September of 1993. He was a member of the Kenai Bible Church and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 10046 in Soldotna. He also volunteered with the American Red Cross during the floods on the Kenai Peninsula. He enjoyed playing with his children and grandchildren, hunting and spending time in the Caribou Hills, woodworking, snowmachining and picking berries.

"Dad loved his family," his family wrote. "His cheering voice could be heard above the crowd encouraging his loved ones to run faster, shoot more baskets and sing prettier. A more loyal fan could not be found. He would listen forever, drive through snowstorms to pick you up or build you a wishing well to decorate the yard. Dad knew no strangers. He loved to chat, engaging often in friendly debate. He was a great neighbor and could be found mowing lawns, snowblowing driveways or keeping an eye on things. By example, Dad taught us honesty, courage and hard work. He instilled in all of us a belief that we could do anything. We will miss his smile, laugh and tender hugs, and we look forward to rejoining him in heaven one day."

Mr. Cessnun was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Estelle Cessnun, and brother, J.B. Cessnun.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elaine Cessnun of Soldotna; daughter and son-in-law, Julye and Matt Neel of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Patty Cessnun of Anchorage; daughter and son-in-law, Melisa and Brad Frates of Kenai; granddaughters, Krysta Cessnun of Anchorage and Kari Frates of Kenai; grandson, Jared Frates of Kenai; nieces, Synthia Howell and Marilyn Schmidt, both of Dalhart, Susan Gunnels of Big Lake, Texas, and Judy Sorrells of Abilene, Texas; and sister and brother-in-law, Myradelle and Jesse Sorrells of Abilene.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Cessnun's name may be made to the VFW Post No. 10046, 134 Birch Lane, Soldotna, AK 99669, or to the Lymphoma Foundation of America, 814 N. Garfield St., Arlington, VA 22201.

Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.