Everett A Cessna

Everett Cessna, age 87, of Bridgeport, Illinois, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on February 10, 1939 in Lawrence County, Illinois, the son of Clarence A. Cessna and Ethel Mae Dunlap Cessna. He married Ardith Perry on July 20, 1958 and she preceded him in death on January 27, 2022.

Everett was a dedicated and hardworking man who took pride in a long and varied career. He began his working years at the Shoe Factory in Olney, Illinois, where he was employed for five years, before continuing to Stabnitz Spring in Vincennes, Indiana, where he worked for fifteen years. Everett later spent over twenty-four years with Combine Insurance Company, where he built lasting relationships and earned the respect of his colleagues. He was a faithful attendee of the Congregational Christian Church in Sumner, reflecting the importance of his faith throughout his life.

In his younger years, Everett shared his love of music as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the band Country Rebels during the 1960s and 1970s, a time he fondly remembered. Music remained a joy throughout his life, and he and his beloved Ardith especially enjoyed singing karaoke together. Everett was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and NASCAR, rarely missing an opportunity to follow his favorite teams and drivers. He found peace in gardening and took great pride in his work outdoors. Above all, Everett cherished the time he spent with his family and his loyal companion, “Corky,” who brought him great comfort and joy.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Ardith; and his brother, Kenneth Cessna.

Survivors include four children, Debbie (Bill) Hughes of Sumner, Illinois, Dana (Terry) Andrews of Bridgeport, Illinois, Kelvin (Leanna) Cessna of Lawrenceville, Illinois, and Delvin (Roxana) Cessna of Bridgeport, Illinois; brother-in-law, Jerry Perry of Florida; sister-in-law, Sue Cessna of Sumner, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Christopher (Noel) Pentell, Angie (David Clark) Holtz, Dustin (Lindsay) Andrews, Ashley (Nick) Ziegler, Emily (Garrett) Janssen, Jenna Perrott, Callie (Caleb) Frisz, Mason (Shalane) Cessna, and Ocean (Jillian) Cessna; twenty great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, April 9 at 1:00 at Sivert-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Sumner, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to Linda E. White Hospice House at 611 Harriet Street, Evansville, Indiana 47710.