Died April 21, 2016,San Antonio, Texas
College: Davenport
Children: Sherri Elyse, 1970; Kylee Lin, 1980; Gee Lee, 1982; Han Ming, 1984
Roger L. Bessey
May 3, 1939 – April 21, 2016
Roger Bessey left this earth in the early morning of April 21st, 2016. He no doubt donned his wide-brimmed hat, grabbed a walking stick, and stomped off into the wild blue yonder, as was his habit in life.
RB was born on May 3rd, 1939 to Otto Bessey and Kathryn Munro in Boston, MA. Roger spent his youth in Boston, New York, Chicago, Galveston and many summers in Montana before settling in San Antonio. A 1961 Yale University graduate with a degree in Physics, he worked at Southwest Research Institute for most of his career.
Roger is survived by his wife, Judith Durbin, and his children: Sherri Blassingame (KC Blassingame), Kylee Wall (JT Wall), Gee Lee Bessey (Scottie Guo), and Han Bessey (Sara Chavez). Opa dearly loved his four granddaughters: Elyse, Briana, Keelie, and Avery, as well as his three grandsons: Bennet, Ethan and Devin. Montana, aka Mrs. Bessey, his dog will also miss her master.
Rog wore many hats: husband, father, joker, philosopher, scientist, musician, and gardener – an all-around character. His booming laugh, sharp intellect, and presence in any room will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
A memorial service will be held at 10am on May 7th at the McNay Art Museum. Please wear bright colors and bring a portable chair (if you need it). In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roger’s name to a local music/arts society, the ASPCA, or the National Wildlife Federation.
Published in Express-News on May 1, 2016