Thomas Bess

Thomas Lawson Bess, 67, of Ava, Ill., died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. at St. Joseph's Hospital in Murphysboro, Ill.

He was born July 24, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, to Donald Lehman and Arlene Harbin Bess. He and Doris Qualls were married April 21, 1968, in Morganfield, Ky.

Bess had farmed in the Gorham, Ill., area.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Bess of Ava; two sons, Brett Bess and wife Stacy, and Jeff Bess, all of Ava; an uncle, Jack Bess and wife Pauline of Cape Girardeau; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, a daughter and a brother.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to service time Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.