Francis Besson
d. July 27, 2017
Francis Raymond Besson peacefully entered into eternal rest on July 27, 2017 at the age of 85 at his home in Mandeville, LA surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Orleans, LA. the 4th of seven children born to his late parents, Edwin J. Besson, Sr. and Claudia LeBlanc Besson. He was married to the love of his life, the late Ellen Owen Besson for twenty-four years, and is survived by his beloved children Ellen Frances (Michael) Besson, Shirley Besson (Joseph) Roper, Mark Besson, and Claudette Besson (Jay) Giacona; grandchildren Elaine Besson (William) Bienvenu, Brendan Roper, Dreux (Katherine) Blank, and David Blank; as well as great-grandchildren Billy Bienvenu and Lucy Bienvenu. Preceded in death by his sister, the late Sr. Olga Rushing, and survived by siblings Edwin Besson, Jr., Marie Laurent, Claude (Colleen) Besson, Jacqueline (Nick) Tusa, and Martha (Ray) Carrier, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. Also left to grieve his passing is his beloved and faithful canine companion, Precious. Francis enlisted in the United States Army in 1950, and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He retired from military service in 1966, having attained the rank of Sgt. First Class, then worked many years as his brother, Edwin’s, ace auto mechanic at his well known Texaco Service Station on Downman Road in New Orleans East. Francis loved tinkering, building and flying remote-controlled scale model air planes, and trying to re-invent the wheel. To know him was to love him for the warm-hearted, generous-to-a-fault, prankster he was, and for his colorful witticisms. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, La on Wednesday August 2, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. till !2:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass beginnig Noon. Inurnment will follow at 1:3 0 p.m. at the Southeast LA Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, LA. The family is deeply grateful to St. Tammany Parish Hospital Hospice and wishes to acknowledge them for the exceptional care provided by their facility. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the ASPCA, or the charity of your choice