Chessley Eugene McKenzie

Former Ruston resident Chessley Eugene McKenzie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 99. Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on March 18, 1921 to Harvey and Cordelia McKenzie, Chessley grew up in Ruston, Louisiana, where he played on the football and tennis teams for Ruston High School (1937-1939) and learned the game of golf with his father at Ruston Country Club. He later played on the Louisiana Tech golf team from 1939-1942.

After graduating from Louisiana Polytech Institute in 1942, he enlisted in the US Army Airforce, where he served with the 385th Bombardment Group in England during WWII. When the war was over he returned home to Ruston and married Elizabeth Spruell, from Shreveport, whom he had met on the Tech campus in 1941. McKenzie had a long career as a Geophysicist starting with Tomlinson Geophysical in 1945.

His family eventually settled in Midland, Texas, in 1956, and he retired as Chief Geophysicist of BTA Oil Producers in 1986.

Chessley is survived by his wife Elizabeth McKenzie of Austin; son Gene McKenzie and wife Pattie of Austin; daughter Mary Ellen McKenzie of Johnson City; two grandchildren, Scott McKenzie of Austin, Stephanie Nelson and husband, Beaver Nelson of Austin; two great-grandchildren Jack Nelson and Katie Nelson of Austin. Chessley will be remembered for his strong Christian faith, his kindness to all, his gentle disposition and a sweet golf swing. Always in the middle of the fairway. Just like he lived his life. A private family burial was held at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020.