JW Bess was born February 22, 1945, in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Jeff and Virginia "Ray" (White) Bess. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 80.
Viewing will be available Sunday, March 9, at Whitt Funeral Home from 1:00-5:00 P.M. A graveside funeral service is planned for 2:00 P.M., Monday, March 10, at Marlow Cemetery with Pastor Mike Bernhardt officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Jake O'Neal, Jordan Perkins, Bobby Bess, Randall Allen, Jimmy Martin, and Christopher Hayes. Larry Bess, Larry Wilson, Jim Coast, and Glen Bentley will serve as honorary pallbearers.
JW graduated from Rush Springs High School with the class of 1963. He attended and graduated from college in Ft. Collins, Colorado with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Husbandry. He joined the US Army in 1968 and served as a vet tech in the Vietnam War earning, among others, a Bronze Star Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
On December 31, 1976, JW married Patti Freeman and together raised a son, TJ. They were married almost 20 years when Patti passed away on December 14, 1996. He found love again, and on August 15, 1997, married Marsha Cowley.
JW worked as a pipefitter for over 30 years. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, especially about the history of Oklahoma and the Jesse James Gang. When JW was 10 years old attending Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, he trusted Jesus as his Savior with the help of Pastor Shin. He was a member of Eastside Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for a few years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his son, Patti; and stepson, Brandon Perkins.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marsha; son, TJ Bess; stepdaughter, Angie O'Neal and husband Mark; grandchildren: Jake O'Neal and wife Mackenzie, Megan Hoskins and husband Brennan, Chance O'Neal, Jordan Perkins, Jaret Perkins and wife Annie; 4 great-grandchildren; and sisters: Linda Hayes and husband Ted and Mary Klingman.
Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.
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