Cessna
John Harley Cessna, 86, passed away Monday, March 3, 2008 in Bellville.
John Harley Cessna was born August 8, 1921, in Kansas, Ohio, to John D. Cessna and Verna B. (Harley) Cessna. After engaging for many years in farming in Sandusky County, Ohio, John and his family moved to Longview, Texas in 1962.
John earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from LeTourneau College in 1967 and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Guidance from East Texas State University in 1973.  He retired from the Texas Employment Commission in Longview in 1986, where he was employed as a Counselor and District Trainer.
John Harley Cessna lived a life of service to his Lord and to others. He served in the United States Army Air Force in 1942-1943. In addition, he was involved in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment programs serving on the East Texas Council on Alcoholism. John was a former member of Mobberly Avenue Baptist and Grace Brethren Churches in Longview and a current member of First Baptist Church of Bellville.
John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Belle (Chubb) Cessna. He and Donna were married on January 4, 1947. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Brennan’s in January of 2007 with their three sons and their families.
He will be greatly missed by his sons, Stephen T. Cessna and wife, Karen of Lansing, Michigan; John Douglas Cessna and wife, Susan of Katy; son David W. Cessna and wife, Leah of Cat Spring; grandchildren, Dawn Main, Sara Weir and husband, Todd; Stephanie and John Samuel Cessna; Paul and Reed Cessna; and great granddaughter, Gretchen Weir.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John D. Cessna and Verna B. (Harley) Cessna.
John Harley Cessna was an avid reader and biblical scholar.  He faced a variety of encounters with cancer for the past two decades, but admitted that he was able to face the end of his “temporal existence without apprehension” because of his “total faith and trust in the Lord Christ Jesus.”
Funeral Services were held Friday, March 7, 2008 at 3 p.m. from Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Steve Olsen and Rev. Elbert White, officiating.  Interment was in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.  
Pallbearers were John S. Cessna, Jerry Sisson, Don Moore, Todd Weir, Ed McCrocklin and Carvel Baker.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the First Baptist Church, 504 E. Strauss, Bellville, Texas 77418 or LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
Services under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapels in Bellville.