Chess Necessary

Chess Necessary, age 94 of Gatesville, passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2021 at Hemmeline Cemetery, with visitation one hour prior to services at the cemetery, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Chess was born on February 16, 1927 in Gatesville, to the late Oliver and Dona Martin Necessary.  He attended school in the Plainview community and Gatesville.  He met Sheila Bailey in Houston and they later married in 1973 in Gatesville. He worked in the oil refinery and chemical industry for 30 plus years until his retirement.  He also owned and ran two night clubs and restaurants.  In his “NESADEL” Club in Pasadena, he gave Mickey Gilley a start.  After retiring, he was employed as a Start-up Engineer in the refining and chemical industry, working all over the world.  Chess loved the land, and farming, ranching and took great joy in taking care of his cows.  He enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, horseback riding, fishing, playing games, dominoes and cards.  He was an avid sports fan and followed many sports teams, especially the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans and the men and women Baylor Bears basketball games.  He also enjoyed traveling and camping.  For many years, he and his wife, Sheila belonged to the Gatesville R/V Club, where they enjoyed the monthly get-togethers.  He was always ready to travel and enjoyed the numerous trips that they took and the sites they were able to see.  He was able to reach his goal of visiting all of the 50 U.S. states.  He was President, Vice President of the Plainview Rock Schoolhouse Reunions for many years.  He loved the annual get-togethers with the remaining students and their families.  He was President, Vice President and Trustee and volunteer for the Hemmeline Cemetery Association for many years.  Chess was a long-standing member of The Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, sang in the choir and enjoyed being involved in different yearly activities and projects of the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronnie Edward Necessary; and a brother, Garnett Necessary. 

Chess is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sheila Necessary; daughter, D.J. Sandel; grandchildren, Stacey Wallace and husband, Casey, Chad Sandel and wife, Kim, Jody Anderson and husband, Jim, Chess Michael Necessary and wife, Kathryn; and numerous great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorials be directed to the Hemmeline Cemetery Association, c/o Sheila Necessary, 1050 FM 1783, Gatesville, Texas 76528 or The Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 26, Gatesville, Texas 76528.