Earle Lynwood Bess, Jr.
June 19, 1936 ~ July 01, 2024
Earle Lynwood Bess, Jr., 88, passed away on July 01, 2024 at Smokey Hill Health and Rehab in Salina, KS.
Earle was born on June 19, 1936 in Springfield, OH to parents Earle Lynwood, Sr. and Ruth (West) Bess. Upon graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1954 he entered the Air Force and after many duty stations his career ended in 1959 with an honorable discharge.
He met and married JoAnn Parker - Bess.
He was a lifetime member of the NAACP Salina Kansas Unit. He also was a committee member on the Salina, Kansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Ad Hoc Committee.
Earle was a volunteer for many boards and committees throughout the Salina community. Including the Salina Housing Authority, Salina United Way, Volunteer Connection, Martin Luther King, Jr. Child Development Center, Emergency Aid Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Salina County Sheriff / Salina Police Department Advisory Board, Salina Democratic Party, Salina Community Access Television, George Washington Carver Day Celebration in Minneapolis, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Conrad and Anthony Bess.
Earle is survived by his wife JoAnn Bess (Parker); Sons: Earle Bess, III and Michael Bess; Daughter: Pamela Bess-Duke and spouse Noble; 5 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren.
Friends and family will be received Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 9:00 AM until service time at 10:30 AM in the Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel; 1920 E. Crawford, Salina, KS, with Rev. Dr. Allen D. Smith officiating. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment of his cremains will be at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services, Online condolences can be sent to
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