John Abel Schlensker

John Abel Schlensker, 82, of Richardson passed away at his home on Saturday, October 20, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Diane and children, J.P. and wife Dedie of Garland, Lisa of Richardson, Powell and Ana of Plano and Zahnd of Forney. Pa is also survived by grandchildren, Josh and wife Tiffany, Matt and wife Lisa, Colby and wife Julie, Ashley and husband Dan, Amanda and husband Turbo, Chasitie and husband Keith, Marissa, Rhiannon, Powell, Torie, Ross, Luke, Macy and Zach. Great-Grand children, Halle, Elena, Kayden, Veeka, Brandt, Logan, Emory, Kai, Leighton, Oliver, Brooks, Parker and Roslin. John is also survived by his sister Margaret Ann of New Albany, IN, brother Leo and wife Laverne of Tyler, TX and sister in law Julie Powell of Shreveport, LA, close friends Johnny, Lynn and Ryan Searcey and his dear friend and caretaker, Rosita Erong. Additionally, he is survived by 16 nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents John F. and Lillian Schlensker, brother Jim, father in law and mother in law, Garrel and Helen Powell and brother in law Brandt Powell. John was born on December 5, 1929 in Shawneetown, IL. He was raised in Owensboro, KY and graduated from Catholic High School. He then graduated with an Associate of Science Degree from St. Bernard College in Cullman, AL and received a Bachelor of Science Degree with the double major of Petroleum Engineering and Geology from the The Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO where he pledged Kappa Sig. John began his career in the oil and gas industry with Great Western Drilling in Midland, TX. He then joined Rayna Drilling and moved the family to Richardson, TX in 1962. In 1967 he founded Schlensker Drilling Corp in Richardson . He was also co-owner with Roy Guffey of Guffey-Schlensker Drilling and Chairman of Mineral Development, Inc. John served on the Board of Directors of Richardson Bank and Trust, now Bank Texas. He was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Independent Drilling Contractors Assoc., American Petroleum Institute, Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners-TIPRO and founding contributors of BB Owens Hospital in Richardson,TX. John was also a member of The Knights of Columbus and Honorary Order of the Kentucky Colonels. Big John was active in coaching youth baseball and basketball for Richardson Sports Inc Association of Richardson. During the course of two decades, his teams won numerous city championships. He attended The Heights Baptist Church for over thirty years. He was a loyal servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His life is exemplified in Acts 20:35 "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Memorial Service Monday, November 5th at 1:30pm in the Chapel of The Heights Baptist Church, 201 W. Renner Road at North Central Expressway in Richardson, TX with Dr. Earl Craig officiating. Reception to immediately follow at the church. Online remembrances can be made at www.newhopefh.com, New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to your charity of choice.