Claud Lee Don Essman

Lee Don Essman

October 9, 1935 - February 4, 2020

Claud Lee Don Essman was born on October 9, 1935, in Cleveland, Oklahoma to Marie and Claud Essman.

The family relocated to Bakersfield, California when Lee Don was a young boy. Lee Don attended and graduated from East Bakersfield High School. He met Shirley Hammon and the married in 1952. Lee Don and Shirley had six beautiful children: Kathryn, Karen, Kimberly, Kayleen Kerri and Stephen.

Lee Don served in the Air Force. During his service, he was stationed in Tripoli, Africa where Kathy was born. It was a great honor for him to serve the United States. After Honorable Discharge from the Air force, Lee Don returned to Bakersfield and began working for the Bakersfield city School District. He also worked for Crocker Bank, Kern County Housing Authority and Merle Haggard. Lee Don enjoyed Country music and spending time with his family. A good game of Canasta was welcomed for a number of years. In his later years, Lee Don discovered that playing the slots was fun too.

Lee Don was blessed with the gift of playing the steel guitar and singing. Along with others from First Assembly, he went to the Kern County Jail on Sunday mornings to minister music and the word of God to the inmates. He LOVED sharing Jesus with everyone. Over the years, he was a part of several gospel musical groups, including ministry with his (now with the Lord) beloved brother-in-law, Dallas Perdue, and with Vernon Chambers and Bobby Dees. Lee Don was an intercessor and kept his family and friends in prayer. He believed in the power of prayer. He valued his relationship with the Lord deeply; and he often talked about feeling the presence of the Lord with him. He loved his Sunday School class at Valley Baptist Church on Victor Street, and he so looked forward to attending and participating in the class.

He was proud of his family. His love for his family overflowed - from his children to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the best PaPa, and the adored him. His heart's desire was for every member of his family to know the Lord.

Lee Dom was preceded in death by his father, Claud; his sister, Patty Sue Barnhart; his mother Marie; and his precious great-grandson Ethan John Wills. Lee Don now resides with them in the Lord's presence for eternity. He will be greatly missed, for he was greatly loved.