BOURBON - Wayne Kelsey Bessinger, 79, died Sept. 8, 2010, in his residence, after a eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born Aug. 14, 1931, in the family residence, to Rollie and Lydia Eaglebarger Bessinger. On Aug. 11, 1957, he married Betty Ann Eby, who survives.
He attended Bourbon schools and graduated in 1949. He and his father farmed together and had a dairy herd. In March 1953, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War. In 1954, he returned home and resumed farming with his father. He lived on the family farm until November 1981, when he moved to Tippecanoe and bought a farm and developed a wildlife refuge. He practiced conservation farming and has received many awards over the years. He was a member of United Methodist Church, Bourbon, where he served in many capacities. He drove a bus for Triton School Corp. for 22 years. He co-owned a bed and breakfast for 17 years. He became part of the development of Potawatomi Park.
Also surviving are three children: Susan (and spouse Tony) Konkle; Clint (and spouse Melissa) Bessinger; and Kelly (and spouse Randy) Henkle; many grandchildren; three sisters: Fawn Heisler, Evelyn Hall and Genevieve Heckaman; and a brother, Max (and spouse Jesse) Bessinger. He was preceded in death by a grandson, a sister and a brother.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Bourbon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry and william Erwin officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.
Calling is from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials may be sent to Bourbon First United Methodist Men's Group, Potawatomi Park or Bourbon Lion's Club.
