Jo Nell Kesner

With faith in God's promise, we announce the passing of Jo Nell Eubank Kesner, 85, of Abilene, Texas, who departed this world on November 16, 2025.

Jo was born on September 7, 1940 to Roy Wayne and Linnie Fay Eubank in Snyder, Texas. In 1957 she met Jerry Kesner at the square and they went on to have 3 devoted sons, Fred (Gina) of Yoakum, Texas, Tate (Teresa) of Dallas, Texas and Scott (Paula) of El Paso, Texas. She was Nana to her seven grandchildren, John and Travis Patten, Danielle Rohm (David), Trista Kesner, Tara Melton (Chris), Reagan Kesner (Courtney) and Declan Kesner and her five great grandchildren Alayna and Ethan Rohm, Rylan Grace Ryan, Briar Sloan Melton and Maacoy Melton.

Jo attended Ira High School and later in life went on to obtain her Associate's degree in accounting at Western Texas College in Snyder where she was on the Dean's List and was a member of the National Honor Society and the American Business Women's Association as well as a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. She was also appointed to serve on the Board of Child Welfare of Scurry County. Jo worked many jobs while raising her children including managing retail, bookkeeping services and various other jobs. She also served as the PTA President of Ira ISD and later as President of the Women's Forum in Breckenridge, Texas. For 30 years Jo devoted her time, along with her husband and many teachers throughout the state of Texas, to run math and science competitions while serving as Executive Secretary for the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA).

Jo was a Certified Bowling Instructor, made a great many friends and won an impressive number of awards while qualifying for the 40 state and 20 national bowling tournaments that she competed in.

Jo was preceded in death by her love of 59 years Gerald (Jerry) Kesner, her beloved sister Melba Mankin Lancaster, and her parents. She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and her devoted sister-in-law Frances Renfroe. The family would like to recognize her traveling Bridge Partners Helen Kuhn, Betty Brewer and Willie Malone as well as Bill and Zel Roberson for the special friendship they shared.

Among her many accomplishments she will be lovingly remembered for her amazing cooking skills taking many top awards at the Scurry County Fair, her impressive Thanksgiving dinners and how she shared her delicacies with those she loved.

Services will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, Texas on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in the name of Jo Kesner.