Don F. Essary

Ennis ISD teacher Don Essary in the 1965 Ennis High School Cicerone yearbook.

Don F. Essary, 80, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2015 in Plano, Texas.

Don was born in Bonham, Texas on September 1, 1934 to Douglas and Lucille (Ballard) Essary. He grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1953. He went on to receive his degree in Education and Biology from Hardin-Simmons University and East Texas State University. He later received his Master’s Degree in Education and was working on his Doctorate in Administration. He served his country proudly in the United States Army. He married Louisette Tachdjian in June of 1956 while stationed in France with the Army. They moved to Commerce after their marriage, then to Terrell and finally to Ennis in 1964.

Don was a coach and teacher for Ennis ISD from 1964 until 1979 where he served as Head Coach and Athletic Director in 1975 leading the Ennis Lions to their first State Championship title in 1975. He also coached and taught in the Mansfield ISD from 1990-1998. He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Ennis and the Optimist Club and Lions Club of Ennis. He enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of over fifty-eight years, Louisette Essary; daughter, Brigitte McElroy and her husband, Eddie; daughter-in-law, Debbie Newton; five grandchildren: Brooke Dixon and husband, Dustin, Ryan McElroy and wife, Kathryn, Mark Essary, Kallie Essary and Kara Essary; three great-grandchildren: Hannah Dixon, Adelyn Dixon and Emmersyn Dixon and one brother Glynn Essary.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ralph Essary and Ray Essary and one son, Thierry Essary.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 2 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis with Randall McElroy and John L. Sullivan officiating. Interment will follow in Myrtle Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.