Martin Junior Beesley
Martin Junior Beesley, 87, passed away on October 8, 2009 at Maranatha Manor. He was born August 5, 1922, to Claude and Tennie Martin Beesley in Mountain Grove, Mo. His family moved to Bolivar where he spent his childhood. In 1942, he and Dorothy Thompson were married in Springfield by the Rev. W. E. Dowell. Martin was an Army Sergeant during World War II, serving in England and Europe for three years where he participated in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. Martin owned and operated businesses utilizing his mechanical ability in northern Springfield for many years before retiring from Hiland Dairy. Martin is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 67 years; children, Patsy Rhoades (Kenneth) Sulphur Springs, Texas, Nancy Kiefer (Chuck), Jim Beesley of Springfield, Mo.; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers. He was a 40 year member of High Street Baptist Church, a lifetime member of Elks Lodge 409, and a long time member of American Legion Post 676. Visitation will be Sunday, October 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with funeral services there on Monday, October 12, at 3 p.m. Rev. Kenneth Rhoades will officiate. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family thanks the staff of Maranatha Manor two for their years of loving care. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Love you, dad.