Tommy Beeson

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

He was born Feb. 18, 1940, in Sikeston, son of W.T. Beeson and Clera Littrell Beeson. He and Christine Cooksey were married Feb. 18, 1960. He and Helen Cooper were married Feb. 17, 1986.

Beeson worked at Potlatch and after receiving his pilot's license was an aerial applicator 30 years. He owned and operated Beeson Flying Service, retiring from flying in 1997. He was a driver with Rettig Enterprises and Duckett Truck Center, where he was currently employed.

He served in the U.S. Army.

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

He was preceded in death by a son, a stepdaughter, his father and two brothers.

Friends may call at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Randy Lemmons officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery, with full military honors by American Legion Post 595 in New Madrid, Mo.