Jesse Eugene Standifer of Simpson was born Nov. 1,
1929 in Ada, Okla. He attended school in Atlers, Okla. and then started rough-necking in the Oklahoma and Texas oilfields. While serving in the U.S. Army as an MP, he met and married Evelyn Earl Martin of Simpson.
After leaving the
military he worked various construction and heavy equipment jobs and became Simpson’s first elected Chief of Police in 1972. He also involved himself in activities such as Boy Scouts Master, Little League baseball coach, a member of EL Karubah
Shriners Temple, and a member of the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fair Board. In 1973, he returned to the oilfields of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as internationally.
After retiring from the oilfield he especially enjoyed
spending time with his grandchildren and hosting family events such as fish fries and BBQ’s. He got a lot of pleasure from working around and maintaining the family home place.
He was a member of East Leesville Baptist Church where he
served in various capacities of which he especially enjoyed being door greeter at the Children’s building on Sunday mornings.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of 57 years; three sons, Jesse A. (Vickie) of Fort Worth, Texas, Gregory L.
(Tammy) of Simpson, and Gary Larrion of Austin, Texas; one daughter, Jan Mills (Leon) of Princeton, Texas; six grandchildren, Jas, Courtney, Carleigh, Traci, Neil and Jamie; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Standifer (Charlcy) of
Stephenville, Texas; two sisters, Dortha Walden of Abilene, Texas and Ruby Knox (Ken) of Abilene, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15 at East Leesville Baptist Church with burial following in
Welcome Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Hixson Funeral Home Chapel, Leesville. Bros. Gil Arthur and Jerry Key will be officiating.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hixsonfh.com.