Allen B. Bess, 83

Allen B. Bess, 83, of Sedalia, died Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center. He was born October 25, 1929 in Freeman, MO, the son of Burl and Myra (Allen) Bess. Allen and Leona Keeler were married December 20, 1989. Leona preceded Allen in death on December 17, 1991.

Allen graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1947. He attended Missouri Valley College and the University of Missouri-Columbia, completing his Master's Degree in Accounting in 1951. Allen then completed his Doctorate in Accounting before beginning his teaching career at Iowa State. In 1963 Allen began teaching at the University of Evansville, Indiana, where he taught for 35 years. Allen was also a CPA while in Indiana.

Allen's father was a minister at the Mount Herman Baptist Church. Allen did enter the ministry briefly, before attending college, but was then "drafted" into teaching while still in graduate school. Allen enjoyed music and played the trombone in bands in Sedalia and Indiana, including the Sedalia Concert Band.

Allen has been actively involved with the Masonic Lodge since 1967. He was Past Master of Granite Lodge 272, current Recorder of York Rite Bodies in Sedalia, and a 32 degree Scotish Rite.

Allen is survived by his sister, Eleanore Bess Carder and her husband, Tom, of Liberty, MO; 8 nieces and nephews, Brad Bamman, Kathy Thompson, Tom Carder, III, Kathy Hamer, Nancy Jones, Bill P. Bamman, Cheryl Wilder and Patty Rake and 16 great-nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Leona.

Funeral services will be at 10:00AM, Monday, November 19, 2012 at Ewing-Schutte-Semler Funeral Home with Rev. Rob Ayers officiating. Pallbearers will be Bret Manuel, Earl Manuel, David Hockaday, Aric Wasson, Andy Amezcua and Floyd Hatfield. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Wasson and Roy Talbott. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Allen's family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00PM on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the funeral home with Masonic Services at 7:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions suggested to the Missouri Masonic Lodge of Research in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with Allen's family at www.EwingSchutteSemlerFH.com.