Joseph Essner

HARPER Joseph M. quotMickquot quotMickeyquot Essner, 65, of Harper, passed from this life at his home after fighting complications of ALS, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 3, 2010.

Born in St. Marys, PA on February 1, 1945, he was the son of Joseph R. and Helen C. Davin Essner, both predeceased.

Upon graduating from Emporium High School, Mickey enlisted in the US Air Force in 1963 to 1967. He reenlisted in 1978, served with the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburg, PA, and then with the 112th Fighter Inceptor Wing in Pittsburg. He also served with the Olean, NY National Guard. In 1982, he enlisted in the 107th Fighter Inceptor Squadron in Niagra Falls, NY, later becoming the 107th Air Refueling Wing. He retired in 1995 after service his country for 20 years.

Mick worked for Quaker State Refinery in Farmers Valley for 20 years. He was on the PA Boat and Fish Commission for 12 years, in the Law Enforcement Division. He also served as a police officer for the borough of Smethport, PA.

He ran 2 businesses, Country Pest Control and Sewer Rooter Drain Cleaning. He sold these businesses and moved to Kerrville, TX.

He worked at the Kerrville VA Hospital and was Boiler Plant Operator. He also worked for the Haven in Kerrville and Heritage Place in Fredericksburg, serving as Environmental Services Director at both places.
Mickey also ran Essner Service Home Repairs.

He was a member of the Ranchero Drive Baptist Church.

He was also a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the NAUS, the Air Force Association and the American Legion.



Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife, Dixie Lee Vandervort Essner of Harper, TX his three daughters, Judith L. Brown of Omaha, NE, Lisa A. Bratcher of Harper, TX and Carol U. Kellog of Simpsonville, SC 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandsons.

ation will be held at Kerrville Funeral Home, Kerrville on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 from 68PM.

A celebration of his life will be held at Kerrville Funeral Home on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 10AM followed with committal services at Harper Community Cemetery, Harper, TX.

The family suggests that donations in his name be made to the charity of ones choice.

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