Tommy Beeson: 1-30-2004

Sikeston Standard Democrat: Sunday, February 1, 2004

SIKESTON - Cecil Thomas "Tommy" Beeson, 63, died Jan. 30, 2004, at his home.

Born Feb. 18, 1940, in Sikeston, son of Clera Littrell Beeson of Sikeston and the late W.T. Beeson, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and of the Baptist belief. He earned his pilot's license while being employed by Potlatch and owned and operated Beeson Flying Service until retiring in 1997. After retirement he became a driver for Rettig Enterprises and Duckett Truck Center, where he was currently employed.

On Feb. 18, 1960, he married Christine Cooksey. She died on Jan. 3, 1993.

He and Helen Cooper were married Feb. 17, 1986, and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include: four sons, Rusty Beeson of Jefferson City, Steve Beeson of Mammoth Springs, Ark., and Jeff Beeson and Keith Beeson of Benton; two daughters, Cathy Herbert of Sikeston and Deborah Hanff of DeSoto; four stepsons, Tim Anderson, Roger Wilcox and Steve Anderson of Springfield and David Anderson of North Carolina; two sisters, Jackie Hubbert of Benton and Karen Sue McBride of North Carolina; and 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by one son, Tracy Beeson; one stepdaughter, Nicole Thatcher; and two brothers, Thurman Beeson and Bobby Beeson.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday. The Rev. Randy Lemmons, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, will officiate.

New Madrid American Legion Post 595 will conduct graveside military rites at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be: Steve Beeson, Jeff Beeson, Keith Beeson, Braxton Cray, Roger Wilcox and Tim Anderson.

Thomas Beeson is a grandson of James & Donie Littrell