FATHER JOHN WHITSELL

Services for Father John Whitsell, 77, of Kilgore will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Gavin Vaverek officiating. Fr. Whitsell passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in Longview, Texas. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery in Longview. Rosary will be 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore.

He was born on May 9, 1932, in Council Bluff, Iowa, to the late John Harold Whitsell and Eleanor Brennen. Fr. Whitsell served in the Air Force for four years during the Korean Conflict and served in the US Navy, where he retired after 30 years of service.

He served as an Episcopal priest for 35 years and a Catholic priest for 14 years. Fr. Whitsell retired to Kilgore after retiring from the Navy in 1991. He was very active in the local prison ministry and was active in 4th Degree Knights of Columbus as their Faithful Friar. Fr. Whitsell was a member of the Equestrian Knights and a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Longview. He is preceded in death by his son, James B. Whitsell.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cleo "Pat" Whitsell of Kilgore; daughters, Paula Sue Whitsell of San Diego, California, Roxanne Gonzales of Keller and Melissa Lynn Jones of Brainerd, Minnesota; sons, John B. Whitsell of Keller and Patrick P. Whitsell of Norfolk, Virginia; brother, Bill Whitsell of Portland, Oregon; sister, Virginia Levi of California; fifteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Children and grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, P.O. Box 322 Overton, Texas 75684.

Online condolences made to www.raderfuneralhome. com.