John W. Bess

View John's Tribute Video John William Bess, 68, of Galesburg, died at 4:52 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2014 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. John was born April 6, 1945 in Caruthersville, MO, the son of Roy and Addie B. (Macon) Bess.  John married Paris M. Davis on April 26, 2003 in Las Vegas.  John is survived by his wife, Paris of Galesburg; his mother, Addie B. Bess of Missouri; his children from a previous marriage; John L. Bess of Macomb, Addi Bess Williams of Galesburg, Dedei Scislowicz of Kansas City, MO, Pamela Bess and Nolan Tabb both of Bettendorf, IA, and Denis Bess Pierson of Peoria Heights; and a step daughter, Felicia Barnes of Chicago.  He is also survived by a brother, William (Arie) Bess of St. Louis; twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by father, Roy Bess; and a sister Geneva Bess Clark. John graduated from Washington High School in 1963 and Professional Business Institute in 1964.  He then joined the United States Air Force in August 1965, attaining the rank of Sargent, and was honorably discharged in June 1969.  He then attended and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.   John worked at Noranda Aluminum from 1975 to 1979, Burlington Northern Railroad from 1979 to 1981 and then worked at Maytag Mfg. from 1981 to 2003.  He then attended and graduated with an Associate in Applied Science as a medical lab technician in 2005 from Illinois Central College.  He then went to work for Metropolitan Medical Lab for a short time and then went to work for First Student Bus Service in August 2006 where he was still currently working. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2014 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 Honor Guard.  Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2014 at the funeral home.  The repast will follow the graveside services in the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.