Ernie Dale Besson

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Ernie Dale Besson, always a cowboy at heart, rode into the sunset one last time, to be reunited with the love of his life, Joanne “Jo” Ruth (Kamenske) Besson. He passed away peacefully at home in Farmersville, Texas, surrounded by family, love, strength and faith. He was 90 years, 11 months and 15 days of age. Born as Ernie Dale Besson on Aug. 15, 1933, he lived a life of adventure with little regret. He was known to many as “Dale”, but his favorite titles were “Pappy” and “Gramps.” He was united in marriage to Jo on Feb. 28, 1953. His family was the joy of his life! The life story of Dale Besson is much like the stories he loved to share. If he said it, it must be true, well, maybe somewhat true. He did say, “Us Indians like to lie a lot.” His stories were filled with tales of his adventures from New York to California, working hard and performing in a band at different saloons. He was a hard-working farmer, retired as a construction legend for The Operating Engineers Local 150, and a member of the Masons. He had a passion for reading, flying through his favorite western books in many libraries, playing chess, and loved “Gunsmoke,” tough lessons, inappropriate advice and opinions. He kept his granddaughters, Amanda and Emilee, on their toes with his shenanigans. He believed in adding a pound of sugar to his oats, liked his eggs fried in bacon grease and added enough salt to clog arteries two counties over! He was passionate about coconut cream pie and always said the sweets were worth the amount of insulin he needed to compensate for his overindulgence. Dale would like everyone to know that his work here is finished, and Saint Peter came knocking on the door with an offer he couldn’t refuse, to be reunited with the love of his life, Jo. Dale was a long-time resident of Mountain Grove. He lived the past four years with his granddaughters, Amanda (Diamond) Davis and Emilee (Jonathan) Fisk, along with his great-grandchildren, Isabelle Carroll, Lillian, Dylan, and Kaileigh Choate, Avery Davis, Jonathan (JJ), Ashlynn and Kadence Fisk. While living in Texas, he enjoyed attending his great-grandchildren’s sporting events, band concerts, dance recitals, local parades, and holiday feasts.
Dale was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Branson; his loving wife of 62 years, Joanne Besson; his brother, Wilbur Bramlet; sister, Nora Besson; brother-in-law, Bentley Walker; and grandson, Brandon Besson. He is survived by his children, Suzanne Besson, Karen (Dennis) Carroll and Charles Besson; sister, Inez Walker; sister-in-law, Leona Bramlet; grandchildren, Amanda (Diamond) Davis, Emilee (Jonathan) Fisk, Sarah (Caleb) Jenkins, Cody and Jameson Ellis, Bryant and Adam Besson; along with many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many other family and friends that will miss him very much. May we find peace knowing that you accepted the Lord into your heart, your faith was strong, and you lived an amazing life filled with adventure. You’re finally reunited with those we love in heaven. Until we see you again! Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life on his birthday, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. The visitation is from 10-11 a.m. The funeral service will be held at 11am with Pastor David Carroll officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery of Mountain Grove.  The family has also advised that donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memoriam of Dale. Services are under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Online condolences: craighurttfuneralhome.com.