Richard Hans Jessen's Obituary
Richard Jessen, 83, of Dallas, TX passed away after a recent diagnosis of Lung Cancer, Friday, February 23, 2018. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Christ Church Plano, 4550 Legacy Dr. Plano, TX. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Restland Funeral Home. Richard Hans Jessen was born September 10, 1934, in Denver, Colorado to Hans and Mildred Jessen. Richard considered his greatest accomplishment was knowing Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and being married to Betty Jean for over 59 years. Richard retired from the USAF after 24 years, where he was the Director of Engineering during the development of the Air Force Navigation Satellite System (NAVSTAR) and later coupled with the Navy’s Timation III Satellite System to form the Global Positioning System (GPS). He was also a Field Test Engineer of the Air Force Balloon R&D Test Branch where the Surveyor vehicle was dropped 1000 feet from a tethered balloon to test its ability to make a soft landing on the moon. Richard earned his Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Management, Business as well as a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from USC. After retirement from the USAF, he also worked for E-Systems/Raytheon for 15 years and was also, an adjunct professor at LeTourneau University. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Mildred Jessen; and sister, Eileen Hines. He is survived by his lovely wife, Betty Jean Jessen; daughter, Teresa Miner; son, Richard H. Jessen II; grandchildren: Jessica Hazle, Michael Wright, Daniel Wright, Gloria Rose Jessen, Holly Rebecca Jessen; sisters, Marlene Cummings, Sharon Zimmer; and brother, John (Michael) Jessen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church Plano for mission work in his name, 4550 Legacy Dr., Plano, TX 75024. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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