Obituary of Ed Bessell

Bessell, Ed Ed Bessell, 87, of Roanoke passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife June Proffitt Bessell and parents Edmund and Elsie Bessell. Ed was born September 16, 1926 in Bronx, New York and He served with the 1st Battalion 5th Marine Devision in the South Pacific during World War II. During his service with the Marines Corps he was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war he attended the University of Virginia where he lettered in football all four years and graduated in 1951. He retired as a coach and teacher with the Roanoke City School System after 24 years of service. Ed was an avid outdoors man, working as a seasonal Park Ranger and a volunteer and member of the Appalachian Trail Club. Surviving are his daughter, Brenda Petke and husband Stuart of Richmond; son, Mark E. Bessell and wife Melissa of Roanoke; grandchildren, Bryce Bessell, Anna Marie Petke, Robert and Jenna Crowder. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Appalachian Trail Club or to a charity of the donor's choice. A graveside service will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens by Dr. Robert T. Copenhaver The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707