Bessie M. Beeson

Bessie May (Schroeder) Beeson, 93, died peacefully, March 31, 2016 in her home in Butler Township. Born Feb. 7, 1923 in Girard, KS, for 48 years she was the wife of Vincent ‘Buss’ Beeson, who preceded her in death in 1995. She was one of seven children to Abbie Bostock and George Schroeder; the only surviving sister, Etta Price, of Dayton. Other siblings include Thelma Esposito, Juanita McAfee, George Schroeder, Shirley Haacke, and Betty Twist. She is also survived by daughter Connie Beck of Inverness, FL and son and daughter-in-law Frank and Sandy Beeson of Vandalia. Grandchildren include Ken (and Lisa) Beck, Robin Carmichael, Talon (and Sara) Beeson, and Travis (and Melissa) Beeson; and great grandchildren Lauren, Kaitlyn, Vivien, Chance, Caleb, Indigo, Zachary, and Michael. Mrs. Beeson leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She and her husband were instrumental in the Village of Vandalia becoming a city, gathering charter petition signatures in 1959. Her husband served on the first city council, acting as Vice-Mayor. Mrs. Beeson was one of the founding members of the Vandalia Lioness Club; her late husband was a past-president and charter member of the Vandalia Lions Club. Both attended many international conventions as representatives of the local club(s). Earlier in March, Mrs. Beeson was cited as the third local “life-member” Lioness honoree. The Beesons were key members in establishing St. Christopher Church in 1957. There, they assisted in building the original church and elementary school, and served as chairs for numerous church festivals and events. Other community volunteerism included Vandalia Sister Cities, Dayton Air Show and Parade, Former POWs, and countless city, and service organization-related events.

Friends may call Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 4 pm at Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr. Vandalia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 4, at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Vandalia with Fr. Francis Keferl officiating. Interment will follow at Polk Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Vandalia Lioness, Crossroads Hospice, or St. Christopher Church in the name of Bessie M. Beeson.