Florence K. Bessmer

Florence K. Bessmer, 98 years young, passed away at her home on December 14, 2016. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 22, from 6-8 p.m., at Speaks Buckner Chapel, 300 Adams St. in Buckner. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 23, at 10 a.m., at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 727 N. Main St. in Independence. Burial will follow the service at Buckner Hill Cemetery.
Florence was born July 5, 1918, in Hardin, MO, to Thomas and Lillie Mae (McCorkendale) Clark. She attended school in Hardin, and later went to work for Montgomery Ward and retired from Lake City Ammunition Plant. She married Robert Michael Bessmer, a WWII Army veteran, and he instantly became a wonderful, loving father to Florence’s four daughters. Florence was a life-long resident of Buckner, MO, a member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, the Buckner Chamber, the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, the Farm Bureau, ABWA and the Calico Cut-ups. She enjoyed quilting and dancing. Florence was preceded in death by her husband and best friend of 46 years, Robert; daughter, Betty Sue McComas; and two brothers, Marvin Clark and Dean Clark.
She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Bandy, Donna Fairchild (husband, Jesse), and Jo Ann Lampton; and several grand-children and great-grandchildren.
Sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to JoAnn LeJeune, Rev. Paul Emily, and all her many other friends for their care and attention during Florence’s final years.