Vernon Bess II

All who knew Vernon Bess, II would agree that life was certainly more interesting when he was around. He was a kid at heart with an insatiable thirst for living each day to the fullest. Lee knew how to work hard, but he was even better at playing, which made him such a great father. He was completely devoted to his wife and children, and nothing was sweeter than welcoming six grandchildren into the fold. If there was one thing that Lee could do it was make us laugh as he was forever playing jokes on people, especially his kids. Life will never be the same without him here, but the memories he leaves behind will never be forgotten by those he held most dear.

As the 1940s were drawing to a close, America was establishing a “new normal” after the end of WWII in 1945. Countless young servicemen and women returned stateside, which began the baby boom that would last several years. By 1948 there were one million American households that owned a television while “South Pacific” took command of the stage on Broadway and NASCAR held its first race for modified stock cars at Daytona Beach. This same year was a year to celebrate in the lives of one couple from Kankakee, Illinois, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on May 7th. Vernon LeRoy was one of seven children born to his parents, Vernon and Opal (Watson) Bess, and was raised in the family home in Kankakee alongside his siblings, Inamae, Judy, Helen, Bonnie, Bob, and Kathy.

In many ways Lee, as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He was all boy and liked things like climbing trees, thunderstorms, and racing. Lee worked his way through the Boy Scout program as a Cub Scout and later a Boy Scout with his father as the leader as he himself had been an Eagle Scout. With a love for racing Lee raced street stocks as he got older and loved sports cars, too. He was also creative and liked drawing, and he was quite the dancer, too, as he once won a dance contest with the love of his life by his side. In addition to attending local schools, Lee worked at a nearby greenhouse.

After graduating from Kankakee High School in 1966, Lee was ready for the working world. He was a mill worker by trade who spent 30 years working at GNB before retiring in 1998. Lee as also a member of the Electrical Union Local # 963.

New and exciting changes were in store for Lee when he met the woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Deloris Glass, and after dating for a time they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together, Lee married his sweetheart on August 24, 1968, in a ceremony at St. John United Church of Christ. Together they were blessed with the births of three children: Angie, Jason, and Parry. Lee’s children all agree that he was the best father, most likely because he was really just a big kid, too. He was always playing jokes on them and was more of a “do as I say” rather than a “do as I do” sort of dad. Halloween was his favorite time of year, and it was always Lee who took the kids out trick or treating. They went all over until their pillow cases were bulging with candy as there was always time for “just a few more houses” according to Lee. Later in life he was delighted when six grandchildren arrived including Garrett, Braden, and Gavin Muhlstadt, and Mariah, Tyler, and Austin Bess.

Throughout his life Lee’s journey was enriched in so many ways. With a deep love for cars he was continually working on cars, and he also drove stock cars for a time. Lee was also into gardening and photography, and he loved reading poetry and the classics. His passion was found in reading his Bible as it gave him everything he needed in life. For numerous years Lee was a member of St. John United Church of Christ where he also sang in the choir. Christmas was a special time of year with Lee around, too, as this is also a holiday when he could be a kid. He made the best hard candy for the holidays, and he did it in every flavor one could imagine. Since he had the greatest sense of humor, Lee loved Snoopy from the Peanuts gang as Snoopy always seems to bring something to laugh about. He enjoyed old-time shows like The Dukes of Hazzard and Starsky and Hutch. A true romantic at heart, Lee found special meaning in the song, “Cherish” by The Association as this was the song he considered to be his song with his wife.

The list of things to admire about Vernon Bess, II is extensive. His life was rooted in faith and accompanied by his unending love for and devotion to his family. Lee was a true and loyal friend - the sort of man who would do anything for those he loved. He was quiet and humble without an unkind word to say about anyone. Lee faced everything that came his way with strength and courage, never complaining when the road before him was difficult to say the least. His legacy will live on in the lives of the children and grandchildren he loved more than life itself.

Vernon LeRoy (Lee) Bess II died at Merkle Knipprath Nursing Home December 2, 2012. Lee’s family includes his wife, Deloris; daughter, Angie (Jim) Muhlstadt of Limestone, IL, 2 sons, Jason (Erica) Bess of Irwin, IL and Parish Bess of Limestone, IL; 6 grandchildren, Garrett, Braden, Gavin, Mariah, Tyler, and Austin; 9 brothers and sisters, Inamae (Ken) Lindgren of Clifton, IL, Judy (Larry) Hanson of Clifton, IL, Bonnie (Richard) McHugh of Vienna, IL, Helen Bess of Bourbonnais, IL, Bob (Denise) Bess of St. Anne, IL, Kathy Maisonneuve of Clifton, IL, Chuck (Tara) Bess of St. Anne, IL, Vernalee Roberson of Momence, IL, Kathleen Lyons of Mokena, IL; and his stepmother, Elaine Bess of Bourbonnais, IL. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul Bess; and his stepfather, Chester Watson. A time of gathering will be on Saturday, December 8, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at St. John United Church of Christ, 1045 West River St., Kankakee, IL. The Memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Barbara Lohrbach officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are for the family’s wishes. To leave a special memory, to share a special photo, or to view Lee’s video tribute, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.