Joann Despain

Joann Eaton DeSpain, 83, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2015 in a local hospital. She was born May 1, 1931 in Honey Grove, Texas. Joann began her thirty-six year career in the oil and gas industry with Western Natural Gas in 1950. In 1960, she joined Humble Oil & Refining Company in their marketing department. Humble later became ExxonMobil, where she held numerous positions in geology, drilling and production, working there until she retired in 1986. She was a member of Arlington Heights Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Willie Mae York Eaton; her sister, Pat Austin; and her brother, Frank Eaton. She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. DeSpain of Corpus Christi; her sons, Roger (Mary Kay) DeSpain of Tiki Island, Texas and Littleton, Colorado, and Reagan (Lisa) DeSpain of Olive Branch, Mississippi; five grandchildren, Sean (Leah) DeSpain, John DeSpain, James DeSpain, Alex DeSpain and Alina DeSpain. Visitation will be from 2 P.M. until 7 P.M. with the family present from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 P.M. Monday, January 5, 2015 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel with David Srygley officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.