Ernest Van Nesbitt Jr.

ERNEST (Ernie) VAN NESBITT, JR., beloved husband of DeEtte DuPree Nesbitt passed away on August 11, 2006. He was the son of Alice Cleva Orren Nesbitt and Ernest Van Nesbitt, Sr. Ernie was born on a farm in Union County, Arkansas, and he was descended from one of the Pioneer Families of Arkansas with his forbearers having helped settle America in the early 17th century. He was a veteran of World War II serving as a paratrooper during combat and the occupation in the South Pacific. After the War, he went to work roughnecking in "The Oil Patch". In the early 1960's, he was an executive in charge of Sales for the Hycalog Company where he worked for many years before joining Per-Log. While employed by Per-Log, he earned a substantial percentage of the company for his outstanding service in sales. After Per-Log was bought by Gearhart-Owen Industries, Ernie, in 1976, co-founded K & N Perforators, Inc. He was Vice President of Sales and a Director for 25 years. Today, K & N Perforators, Inc. still remains a "household" word in the oil industry in South Texas. Upon hearing of his passing, numerous customers, also friends, have said "His handshake and his word could be trusted and he represented the best of what "The Oil Patch" was known for". He was involved in civic and cultural activities having served on numerous boards including The Boy Scouts of America, Little League Baseball and the former Dad's Club YMCA. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason at Northwest Lodge 1434 and was recently recognized for over fifty years of service to the Masonic Order. He was a long time member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Houston Court No. 136. In 1995, he was elected Director of the Houston Court 136. Other elected offices he held were the Office of Impresario, Tragedian and Leading Man. In addition, he was made an Honorary Member of the Galveston Court. He was also a member of the Petroleum Club as well as St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. Ernie is survived by his wife of 35 years, DeEtte DuPree Nesbitt; a daughter, Alice Lynn Massey; a son, Charles Scott Nesbitt as well as many other family members; Alice Cade DuPree Foster, Raymond Douglas DuPree, Pam DuPree and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Ernie was a kindly man, and his life had a positive impact on all who knew him. His presence will be missed by his many friends and family. A Memorial Service will be held in his honor at half past two o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 10th of October 2006, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, with The Rev. Dr. Albert Clinton Walling, II officiating. All friends are welcome at this service. The service will be preceded with the Masonic Ritual and will be conducted by members of Northwest Masonic Lodge No. 1434. Formal distribution of the Blessed Ashes will be in Colorado at a later date.