On Sunday, January 26th of 2025, Ozell Esco of Jacksonville, Texas passed away peacefully at his home. He was born on May 5th, 1942, to the late Helen D Ragsdale Walker and the late Frazier Esco.
Ozell graduated from Fred Douglas High School in 1960 and later went on to join the U.S. Army until 1967. Ozell married Lula Pearl Rogers in 1966 until her death in 1968. He leaves behind two daughters born from this union, Catrenia Esco of Enid, Oklahoma and LaChevia Sample of Round Rock, TX.
Ozell's marriage of 50 years to Gwendola White in 1974 until her death in 2024 produced two children - daughter, Olanda Sanders and son, Ozell LeShun Esco.
Ozell also leaves behind two daughters, Cassandra Horne and LaTosha Anaya of Longview, Texas, and a sister, Linda Kay Campbell of Jacksonville, TX. He was proceeded in death by his brother, Donald Ray Esco and his sister, Sue Bush.
His memory will also live on with his nine grandchildren - Kiana Baker-Smith, Jonah McGowen, Tristen Ozell McGowen, Keenan Esco, Kortni Mendiola, Taylor Anaya, Braylon Sanders, Cayden Sanders, and Juliet Esco; Two great-grandchildren, Krislyn Smith and Jaylah McGowen, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, relatives, spiritual brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors.
In his late years, Ozell also cherished his close relationships with his sister-in-law Teresa Franklin, brother-in-law Kirk White, and special friends Lynn Smith, Bill and Nancy Dollar, Carla and Philip Garland, Bill and Becky Ford, Calvin Brown, Willie Nelson and his cousin Irby Bowens.
Most of Ozell's employment career was working for GTE until he retired. He was proficient in many skills including electrical work, carpentry, farming, gardening and hunting - but his claim to fame was his ability to catch more fish than anyone else, and his insistence that ‘everything is better with ice cream on top’.
He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2005. He found joy in participating in the field ministry and served as an elder and regular pioneer for many years. Ozell will forever be known for his kindness, humility, wisdom, humor, generosity, willingness to help others, along with being a great provider for his family. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial services will be held on February 8th, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
512 E Pine St.
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
A gathering in his remembrance will be held on February 8th, 2025 at 4 p.m.
The Texas Ruby Ballroom
707 College Avenue
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
