Jean Pliler's Obituary
Jean Pliler, age 79, of Longview, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025. She was born on February 18, 1946.
Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Pliler, and her parents, Pete and Jean Hillin.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Otis Pliler of Longview; her daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and Michael Kalmus; her son, Darby Pliler; and her beloved grandchildren: Colton Kalmus and wife Fayth, Gracyn Bailey and husband Logan, Kamryn Pliler, Kaylyn Pliler, and Karsyn Pliler. She is also survived by four cherished great-grandchildren, Laikyn Bailey, Kenzie Bailey, Liam Kalmus, and Kasey Clark, all of Longview, Texas.
Jean moved to Hallsville with her parents during her freshman year of high school, where she met the love of her life, Otis Pliler. Though they planned to wait until Otis finished college in Arlington, they simply couldn’t wait. They married and, in September, celebrated 60 years of marriage—a love story rooted in devotion, laughter, and partnership. Shortly after their marriage, they moved back to Longview and welcomed their first child, Deanna, followed four years later by their son, Darby.
Jean poured her heart into her family. She loved being involved in her children’s activities and could sew a dance costume from scratch, enjoyed ceramics, and even tried belly dancing classes—sword and all. Jean and Otis treasured time with their longtime friends and loved traveling on beach trips or spending time at Lake Cherokee, where they even renewed their vows.
Throughout her life, Jean worked several oil and gas jobs before retiring from a community resource facility. But her most treasured role began when the grandchildren arrived. Known lovingly as “Nonie,” she stayed busy playing ball in the yard with her only grandson, attending many baseball & football games, equestrian competitions, volleyball tournaments, and dance and cheer events—never missing a moment.
Nonie wasn’t just a grandmother to her own grandchildren; she was Nonie to everyone who walked through her door. Her home was always open, full of warmth and love. You could often find her at Dillard’s, where even the sales associates knew her by name, or outside pulling weeds and tending to her yard—she was a natural busybody who refused to sit still. Jean was truly the glue that held her family together.
Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she delighted in spoiling her family—it brought her immense joy. If someone needed something, Nonie made sure it happened. In her final three years, she cherished every moment loving on her great-grandchildren. Though they did not get to know the Nonie everyone adored, she still found ways to bring smiles, giggles, and to make sure they felt deeply loved.
Jean radiated laughter, sprinkled her sass wherever she went, and fought bravely even as Parkinson’s tried to slow her down—she never wanted to miss a single thing. Even in her final moments, she loved her family fiercely.
As we say farewell to Jean “Nonie” Pliler, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, a love shared for 60 years with her husband by her side, and a family forever changed by her presence.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 23rd at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Radar Longview Funeral Home.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorials be made in Jean’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://Parkinson.org.
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