Charles Besand

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Charles J. Besand, 87, of Perryville died Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 24, 1924, in Perryville, son of Alphonse and Louise Rollet Besand. He and Alice A. Walter were married Oct. 5, 1946. She preceded him in death April 10, 2012.

Mr. Besand was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

He was Perry County treasurer 24 years, a livestock and agriculture farmer and manager of Perry County Co-op. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, life member of the American Legion where he served as post and district commander, as well as 38 years as veterans service officer, Perryville Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the county, state and national levels of the Republican Party.

Survivors include three sons and a daughter, Harold (Peggy) Besand of Austin, Texas, Richard (Hazel) Besand and Julie (Thomas) Unterreiner of Perryville, and Chuck (Chris) Besand of Nashville, Tenn.

Also 12 grandchildren, Adam Besand, Brian Besand, Jennifer Terrill, Charlene Rauh, Allen Besand, Eric Besand, Angi Herman, Wendy Merritt, Brian Brickhaus, Kelly Martin, Sarah Besand, Catherine Besand; 18 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and five brothers, Bertrand, Francis, Elvis, Lester and Leo.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 7 a.m. until service time Saturday at St. Vincent's Church. A Catholic wake will be held at 7 p.m. Friday.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent's Church, with the Rev. Milton Ryan officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, with military graveside service provided by American Legion Post 133 and Delta Team.

Young and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to St. Vincent de Paul Parish or School Endowment Fund.