Cress, Jack

Jack Cress

Jack Lee Cress, 65, of Abilene, Texas, died Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Hendrick Medical Center, Abilene.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 5, 1947, Jack was the son of Jessie (Williamson) and H.L. (Jack) Cress. He graduated from high school in Center Point in 1965 and received his associate's degree in mechanical engineering from Marshalltown (Iowa) Community College. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Dennison, on May 13, 1967, in Center Point.

Jack first worked in engineering for Stanley Consultants in Muscatine. In 1977, he moved to Abilene, Texas from Iowa because he “wanted to be a Texan.” In 1977, he began his 20 years as an employee of Tippett & Gee, an engineering firm working on large power plant projects. Jack continued his engineering career with Lauren Engineers & Constructors Inc. in Abilene as senior project manager, working on construction projects for the past 15 years.

Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, Jack had great interest in farming and ranching and the outdoor, country life it afforded him. He spent much of his “free time” raising his horses and longhorn cattle, as well as driving his tractor. Jack enjoyed time spent with his family, especially his kids and grandkids. He always inspired kids and encouraged them. He was actively involved in his children's activities, including hunting camps and sports, both as a coach and observer. He himself had been a catcher, and his sons became catchers and eventually Travis a shortstop. He called his grandkids every Sunday to keep up with the outcome of their various sports games and activities. Jack kept his son, Kyle, involved in rodeo to keep him out of trouble. Although Jack was an avid fan of fighting sports, he did not let Kyle continue participating in fighting competition.

Known for his compassion and generosity, especially to the elderly and kids, he never met a stranger. Jack always had a dollar for his grandkids. He was a member of Wylie Christian Church in Abilene.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, H.L. (Jack) Cress and Jessie Cress.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Cress of Abilene; sons, Travis Cress and wife Heather of Odessa, Texas, and Kyle Cress and wife Tiffany of San Antonio; and six grandchildren, Zachary, Talon, Ethan, Jackson, Cade and Carter. He is also survived by two brothers, Fredrick Cress and Joan Nielsen of Center Point and Steve Cress and wife Deenie of Frisco, Texas; a sister, Janette Rhodes of Forney, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Doug Roysden officiating. A memorial service and burial of his cremains in Oliphant Cemetery, Center Point, will be at a later date.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Lauren Fabrication Group and Kyle and Kris Gilmore.

Memorial may be made to Wylie Christian Church, 6250 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, TX 79606.

Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Published March 30, 2013 in The Gazette