Horace Cessac passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2005, in Pineville Louisiana, after a short illness. He was born in Esther, Louisiana, on November 4, 1919 but spent the majority of his life in Nederland, Texas, where he was a barber for over 50 years. He owned Horace’s Barber Shop there and was president of the Barber’s Local Union.
Horace joined the United States Army in 1942 and was assigned to the 31st Infantry serving in World War II for the 81st Wild Cat Division. In 1946, he was honorable discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. The decorated veteran was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Saint Charles Catholic Church in Nederland.
He and his wife of 46 years, Lorraine, were the parents of five children; however, many others adopted them as their parents. For a long time, the house on the corner of Gary and 19th –were the two lived-was the “neighborhood hangout” to so many children throughout the years. Horace took great pride in his work, his home and his garden, but his greatest pride of all was his children, and all of his children loved him dearly. His presence in their lives will be sorely missed, but they will all take comfort in knowing that he in now joined in eternity with his wife, Lorraine, who passed away in 1992 from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Horace’s survivors include his daughter Becky Hansen, husband Donnie and their children Cheryl, Joey, Paul, Mark, Joshua, and Caitlin; his son Oscar Cessac, wife Susan and their children Eric and Andy; his son Alex Cessac, wife Gloria and their children Scott and Chris; his daughter Debbie Hudgens and husband John; his son Russell Cessac, wife Loretta and their children Andrea, Amanda and Victoria; his 14 great grandchildren; his sister Goldie Frazier; and his brother Raywood Cessac.
A rosary for Mr. Cessac will be recited at 6:00 PM Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at Broussard’s Mortuary in Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland. Internment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches with Military being provided.
FAREWELL MESSSAGE
FROM
YOUR DAUGHTER, DEBBIE
Horace Cessac was his birth name, but to his friends and family, he was more affectionately known as Daddy, Dad, Paw Paw, H.P., Pop, Uncle Horace, Doc, Toot and my personal favorite – Pappa. Our grandfather (Daddy’s father) was known as Pappa, and when he passed away many years ago, our brother, Alex, said “well, our Daddy is Pappa now” and that is what I have called him ever since.
About three years ago, while visiting us in San Antonio, Pappa came down with shingles, one of the worse cases our doctor had ever seen. I, along with everyone else in the family, was very concerned about him and his health, but for me it was especially difficult because I lived so far away. So, I began calling him every day to check on him … much to my delight, he began calling me back. And thus began our “very special relationship”… It was like he had become the child I never had.
We talked to each other at least twice a day every day – once in the morning and once in the evening right before his favorite program, Wheel of Fortune. And if I was lucky, he would sometimes call me in between. Our conversations consisted of a variety of topics, and my favorite was when he reflected on his past experiences. He had a wonderful way of expressing all that he had gone through, and he always brought a lot of warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. He didn’t like answering machines, so whenever he would call and get my answering machine, he would sometimes express his frustration by leaving a few choice words on there. Every now and then I would hear his sweet voice say – “This is Dad. Please call. Thaaanks!”
Pappa was a gentle soul, with such a kind and gentle spirit. I thank God for blessing our “very special relationship.” I miss “my little buddy” and I know that he will be missed by so many. The one thing that brings me comfort and I know to many of you, is that Pappa is now at peace – he has been reunited with Mama and they will live in eternal happiness in Heaven. Thank God for that! A verse in Our Daily Bread reads: “The Lord has promised to prepare a place in heaven above – a home where we will always be with Him and those we love.
On behalf of the Cessac Family, I would like to thank the following individuals for opening their arms, their hearts and their homes to us during our time of need due to Hurricane Rita.
Ricky & Retha Haynes
Uncle Rabbit & Aunt Wanda
Randy & Shelley Malone
Olene Richard and Her Daughter Susan Cessac
We all thank you Russell for keeping yourself and Pappa safe during the hurricane.
When I asked God to send his angels to help us, little did I know that he would send one in the form of a little brown dachshund name Boo Boo. She brought a lot of comfort to Alex and me while we stayed with Randy & Shelley.
And to you Alex! I thank you for being the calm in our storm.
Finally, the Cessac Family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to each of you for being here tonight. Your love and support throughout the years helped Pappa in so many ways, and I know he would have been so touched to see all of you here tonight. Although our hearts are inconsolable right now, your presence here at the rosary has brought us much happiness. Thank you so much, and God Bless each of you.
Good-bye Pappa, we love you - - - - - - - please give our love to Mama.
