George Wessels

George Wessels, 87, of Wharton, passed quietly on May 15, 2017, after a lengthy illness. He was born January 24, 1930 in Chesterville, Texas to the late Henry F. and Frieda Backhus Wessels, who immigrated from Germany in the late 1909. He served in our country’s Army division and was honorably discharged in 1947. He later met and married Frances Kucera in Wharton on February 5, 1952. Together they raised 4 children. George worked for Texas Gulf Sulfur as a pipeline supervisor for 35 years. Rumor has it, he was one of the toughest, most hardworking and devoted employees they had. He truly valued his job and the company he worked for. He enjoyed fishing the Colorado River, hunting, and late nights and long afternoons playing dominoes and cards. He later discovered that the slot machines in Louisiana were a lot more fun and the payouts, at times, were pretty good! As age crept up on him, the simple thrill of a scratch off or Lotto ticket was enough to keep him happy. In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Cortney Fortenberry; sister, Louise Fryer and Agnes Wessels; and brothers, Carl Wessels, Gus Wessels, Henry Wessels, and Emil Wessels. George is survived by Frances, his loving wife of 65 years; son, Donnie Wessels and wife Debi of Wharton, TX; daughters, Sandra Wessels Norris and husband, Marc of Knoxville, TN; Melissa Wessels Maser and husband, Jim of Rock Springs, WY, and Gail Wessels Wendtland and husband, Steve of Glen Flora, TX. Other survivors include his brother Harold Wessels and wife Nelita of Coppers Cove, TX; grandchildren, Donnie Scott Wessels, Christy Matus, Shane Wessels, Mallory Best, Amanda Stoecker, Sarah Norris, Joseph Fortenberry, Jennifer Salinas and Jake Wendtland; and great-grandchildren Madison, McKensie, Ryan, Lexi, and Nolan. Following cremation, a private family service was held later with burial at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Rest in Peace Papaw. You will forever be in our Hearts. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www. whartonfuneralhome.com.