Louis Caveness

A funeral service for Louis Caveness, age 79, of Rusk is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rusk with Rev. David O’Neal officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Cemetery in Rusk. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Wallace-Thompson funeral home in Rusk. Pallbearers will include J.D. Pearman, Bob Pearman, Lee Pearman and Josh Dupree. After a long bout with progressive heart disease, Louis Caveness, age 79, passed away Tuesday afternoon holding hands with his loving wife of 52 years, Stephanie, and his devoted son, Preston Dewitt (Dee). He leaves behind his wife and son and his granddaughter, Avery Madison Caveness, along with well loved sister, Hazel Jean Pearman, and several nephews and nieces. Mr. Caveness lived life to the fullest and put his energy into every endeavor he tackled. Following graduation from Rusk High School, he attained his degree in Math and Physics and a Masters in Education from Stephen F. Austin. His passion was coaching football. At Jasper High School, Dayton High School, University of Texas El Paso, Bridge City High School, DeLaSalle High School, New Orleans, Garden City Community College, Kansas, Port Neches High School, and Lamar University. Louis followed the path which lead him home to Rusk as head coach and athletic director where he was named Tyler Morning Telegraphs “Coach of the Year” the first season he was back. When his journey in athletics ended, he didn’t stop. He continued his career in education as Rusk Junior High Principal where he was honored as East Texas Principal of the Year. Retiring from RISD at age 65, Louis launched a successful real estate business and served on the Cherokee County Apraisel District’s Board of Directors. He was an elder at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Rusk, President of the Rusk Lions Club and Rusk Chamber of Commerce. Near the end of his life, he devoted his time and intellect to developing Beans Creek Ranch into an outstanding Texas Longhorn Business in partnership with his son Preston (Dee). “I believe in God and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle victorious.”- Vince Lombardi If desired, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 414, Rusk, TX 75785.

Louis Caveness

June 15, 1938 - April 17, 2018