John Robert Bess, Sr.

John Robert Bess, Sr., 91 of Divernon passed away Wed., June 21, 2023 at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born June 3, 1932 in Patterson, IL; the son of R.S. “Doc” and Hazel Carmean Bess.  He was preceded in death by two sisters and one granddaughter.

He married Sara Fraley on Sept. 13, 1952.  They spent 70 years together and raised 7 children.

John served in the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Roanoke from 1952 to 1956.  He worked for the railroad retiring as a conductor after 29 years and enjoyed 30 years of retirement.  John loved camping and riding his scooter and golf cart.   He had many friends he met through the years while enjoying a Stag or 2.

John is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sara; his children, Bobette (Terry) Vansel, Terrol (Bill) Ulery, Toni (Mark) Nutgrass, Tracy (Shiloh) Savage, Melanie (Jay) Rueter, J.R. (Lora) Bess, Colleen Evans and a grandson, Jason Stone that they raised; 20 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson.

Visitation will be from 5pm till 7pm, Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Bramley Funeral Home, 150 Reichert Rd, Divernon.  Services will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday with Rev. Seth Ventress officiating.  Burial will be in Brush Creek Cemetery, Divernon.

Memorials may be made to the Divernon American Legion.

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