Obituary

Jeff Esau, 49, of McGregor, Texas, died June 1, 2010. Jeff was born on March 17, 1961, in Newton, the son of Kenneth Ray and Darlene Arnett (Gaede) Peterson. He began his education in Kansas until 1973 when he moved to McGregor. He was a 1979 graduate of McGregor High School. Jeff continued his education at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, where he earned an associate’s degree in business and nursing. He also earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix. On Nov. 28, 1981, he married Maria dela-Luz Valdez in McGregor. He was employed by Kinder Manufacturing and Hercules in McGregor prior to working at the U.S. Veteran’s Affairs hospital in Waco for nine years as a registered nurse. Jeff served his country in the U.S. Army as a reservist, activated in 1984 and again from 1990 to 1991. His decorations include the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, a sharpshooter badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon. He was a sergeant at the time of his honorable discharge. Jeff enjoyed golfing, spending time with his family and was an avid McGregor High School Bulldogs fan. He was active in the community as a member of Victory Chapel Church and a volunteer for the McGregor EMS, where he served as vice president and president. Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Maria dela-Luz Esau; his father and stepmother, Kenneth Ray and Lilly Mae Esau of McGregor; a son, Alan Jeffery Esau of McGregor; a daughter, Miranda Marie Adcock and husband Steven of Jacksonville, N.C.; four brothers, Kim Esau and wife Denise, Michael Esau and wife Lori, all of Kansas, Kenneth “Butch” Esau of South Dakota, and Thomas Esau and wife Marsha of Indiana; two sisters, Bonita Blades and husband Robert of Georgia and Laura Neish and husband Brian of South Dakota; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene Arnett (Gade) Peterson. A funeral service was Saturday at Cole Funeral Home in McGregor, officiated by Curtis Jones, followed by internment with military honors in McGregor Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a benefit fund at Midland National Bank in Newton, McGregor EMS in care of Mynette Taylor, 311 S. Main St., McGregor, Texas 76657, Hillcrest Hospice, 300 Herring Ave., Waco, Texas 76708, or CJD Foundation, P.O. Box 5312, Akron, Ohio 44334.