Don Besco's Obituary
Donald Besco, age 97 of Corydon passed away on August 20, 2019 at Corydon Specialty Care. Donald was born on January 14, 1922, the sixth child of Fred and Zella (Shephard) Besco. He attended country schools in Lucas and Monroe counties and graduated from Chariton High School in 1938. He married Doris Coles in 1938 and to this union four children were born: Roy, Sandra, Fred and Kenneth. Donald was a farmer (always with a team of horses) until 1964. Donald and Doris moved to Corydon where Doris ran the laundromat and Donald built a house. Together with Jesse and Wilma Hook they owned Bowling Green Lanes. Donald also served as Deputy Sheriff under Jesse Hook for 3 years. They then moved to Indianola where he worked for the State of Iowa in titles and registration for 14 years, mostly stolen vehicles and chop shops. At age 65 when the state said you must retire they returned to Corydon to build another house. He was the manager and care taker of the senior housing apartments for 12 years. Many remember his tomatoes and cucumbers from a small garden. He also served a 6 year term on the Wayne County Hospital board. He enjoyed wood working. He started doing toy trucks and then moved on to building grandfather clocks, roll top desks and doll furniture. Many children in Wayne County have a rocking chair that was made by him. Donald believed in a good days work. He could tell many stories about his childhood and law enforcement work. He is survived by son Roy of Longview, Washington, daughter Sandra Reed of Allerton, Iowa, son Fred and wife Kathy of Saginaw, Texas, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris in 2012, son Kenneth in childhood, son-in-law Jim Reed, daughter-in-law Suzanne, grandson Charlie Reed, brothers: David, Delmar, Dale, and Dean, and sisters: Mildred, Mirl, Marie and Maxine. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. A graveside service will be Monday, August 26, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Chariton Cemetery with Pastor Leroy Perkins officiating. Memorials may be given to Walden Park playground fund, make checks payable to City of Corydon. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com and facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Don Besco please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Chariton Cemetery 913 S. Main
Chariton, IA 50049 Celebration of Life AUG 25. 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home~Corydon 303 E. JeffersonCorydon, IA 50060[emailprotected] Graveside Service AUG 26. 10:00 AM (CDT) Chariton Cemetery 913 S. MainChariton, IA 50049
What’s your fondest memory of Don?
What’s a lesson you learned from Don?
Share a story where Don's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Don you’ll never forget.
How did Don make you smile?