Steve Bess

SIKESTON, Mo. -- L. Steve Bess, 59, of Sikeston died Monday, May 15, 2006, at his home.

He was born Oct. 4, 1946, in Ardeola, Mo., son of Rosewell and Mona Sitz Bess. He and Jane Oldham were married Jan. 18, 1969, in Sikeston.

Bess was a 1964 graduate of Bell City High School, and received a bachelor of science degree in art from Southeast Missouri State University in 1968.

He taught art in the East Prairie School District 28 years. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Bess served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Emily Schott of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Earl Bess of Cape Girardeau; six sisters, Barbara Hoosier of Dexter, Mo., Vera Mason of Sikeston, Glenda Seagraves of Rector, Ark., Wanda Rayles of Kokomo, Ind., Dorothy Phegley of Perkins, Colene McCormack of Xenia, Ill.; and a granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and three sisters.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Xavier Church, with the Rev. Scott Sunnenberg officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories.