J. C. was born on June 4, 1936 in Lee County, TX to parents James Connor Tisdel and Mary Ann (Green) Tisdel. He attended Dime Box schools where he participated in baseball, basketball and track. He graduated from Dime Box High School in 1955. After graduation, he moved to Houston to work for Southern Pacific Railroad and remained there for three years. In 1958 he began his 35-year career at the Texas Highway Department (now TxDOT), where he remained until his retirement in 1993. J.C. also proudly served our country as a member of the U.S. Army in both an active and reserve capacity.
On February 1, 1957 he married the love of his life, Mary Nan Harrell, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage in February 2017. He was, above all, a family man and a wonderful loving father to their children, Connie, and husband Mark Bathe, Rhonda Zientek and Michael Tisdel and an outstanding Grandpa to their grandchildren, Justin Connor Bathe and wife Kari, Jake Connor Zientek and Rylea Lynn Tisdel. He was looking forward to the birth of their first great-grandson in May 2018.
J.C. was an athlete and an avid sports fan. He enjoyed all sports, but baseball was his passion and he passed his love for the sport on to his children and his grandchildren. He spent countless hours coaching his children’s baseball, football and softball teams, and later as a not-so-silent spectator at his grandchildren’s sporting events. He proudly attended every event and activity possible, no matter the distance or the weather conditions, and he liked to discuss the games afterwards and give them advice. He was happy to see his beloved Houston Astros finally win a World Series this year.
J.C. was a man of strong faith. He and Mary Nan joined Langwood Baptist Church in 1960, and became very active in the church where he served as a Deacon and also as the church Treasurer for many years. They developed many lifelong friendships there. When Langwood Baptist closed earlier this year, they moved their membership to Oak Forest Baptist Church.
J.C. had an outgoing personality, he never met a stranger. He had a keen wit and an infectious sense of humor and he always had a smile on his face. He loved his family and friends and he made sure that they knew it. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family and friends.
J.C. is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Nan (Harrell) Tisdel; daughter and son-in-law Connie and Mark Bathe, daughter Rhonda Zientek and son Michael Tisdel; grandchildren, Justin Connor Bathe and wife Kari, Jake Connor Zientek and Rylea Lynn Tisdel. Brothers and sisters-in-law Morris and Elvera Tisdel, Howard and Junelle Tisdel and sisters Mary Frances Perry and Chiquita Fittlro, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. J.C. is preceded in death by his parents, James Connor and Mary Ann (Green) Tisdel, infant sister Yvonne Tisdel, mother-in-law Lutie (Dooley) Harrell and father-in-law Hubert L. Harrell. Pallbearers will be Justin Connor Bathe (Grandson), Jake Connor Zientek (Grandson), James Perry (Nephew), Keith Tisdel (Nephew), Keith Burleson, Carl Elsner, Richard Harris and J.T. Williford. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rylea Lynn Tisdel (Granddaughter), Don Dodd (Cousin), Carl Bridges, Willie Joe Kovar, Jack Harzke, and Pete Maluschka. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home, 1200 W. 34th St. Houston, TX 77018. Funeral services will be Monday, December 18 at 10:00 am at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home with graveside services immediately following at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Frwy, Houston, TX 77079 http://www.dignitymemorial.com/pat-h-foley-company/en-us/index.page
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