Louis Caveness

Funeral services for Louis Caveness, 79, of Rusk were held 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 20 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rusk with Rev. David O’Neal officiating. Burial followed at Cedar Cemetery in Rusk.

Visitation was held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 19 at Wallace-Thompson funeral home in Rusk. Pallbearers included J.D. Pearman, Bob Pearman, Lee Pearman and Josh Dupree.

After a long bout with progressive heart disease, Mr. Caveness passed away Tuesday afternoon holding hands with his loving wife of 52 years, Stephanie, and his devoted son, Preston Dewitt (Dee).

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Caveness; son, Dee Caveness; granddaughter, Avery Madison Caveness; sister, Hazel Jean Pearman; 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; De La Salle 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 Telegraph’s “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 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.