Jessie Tennyson

Jessie Tennyson passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at his home in Sundown, Texas.  He fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  Jessie was born in Iraan, Texas on September 12, 1930.  He and his wife, Jo, have lived in Sundown for 54 years and he worked for Texaco for 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ophelia Hawkins Tennison; son, Bill Tennyson; daughter, Sande Shaw; granddaughter, Ami Thompson; brother, Ray; and sisters, Clara Gilbert and June Smetak.

Jess is survived by his wife, Jo; daughters, Linda Timmons of Georgia and Sherry of Sundown; granddaughters, Dusty Dyer and Wendy Shaw; grandsons, Billy Tennyson, Clifton, Jesse and Joseph Shaw; David, Bryan and Michel Brown; son-in-law, James Shaw; and 8 great grandchildren.

He was very proud of his work in the oilfield.  Many of his coworkers became great friends.  After his retirement in 1989, Jess didn’t have anything to do so he started reading western books.  One of his favorite authors was Louis Lamour.  He had started counting the number of books he read and said it was over 1,200.  Jess then found the western station on TV.  He spent most of his days reading and watching his cowboys.  If you spent any time with Jess you would learn very quickly that he was quite a jokester.  His favorite trick was tying a popsicle stick with a string to your buttonhole and then not tell the victim how to get it off.  Many people left his house with that still attached to their shirt.

The family thanks Interim Healthcare Hospice in Levelland for the exceptional care and guidance they gave to Jess and his family.  They also want to thank neighbor, Ricky Waygood, of Sundown for his help and assistance through this challenging time.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at Krestridge Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, May 7, 2021, in the Sundown Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be grandsons, Billy Tennyson, Clifton, Jesse and Joseph Shaw, Justin Dyer and Grayson Jenkins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Levelland Interim Healthcare Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home.  (806) 897-1111