Dr. Alfred "Fred" Bessell

Born December 1st 1933 in Houston, Texas, Fred came into a world deep in economic depression, sleeping on a screened porch as young boy.  Luxuries were scarce growing up during World War II and that included favorite foods. His mom asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he responded “a whole fried chicken just for himself”. He got it. He suggested to his mom that she might like a pop gun for a birthday present from him. She got it.  Then, he promptly asked to play with it.

Although mostly a happy childhood there was some sadness. He lost his sister, Jeanie to cancer at age 12 and never truly healed. That event was a major influence in his choice of career. His nurturing character, especially with children became his core. Fred later would become a surgeon and felt his calling most deeply when he was healing a child. Fred did well in school, and was in the first graduating class of St John’s Episcopal High School.

A blind date provided the introduction of Fred to his bride, Mary Lynn, while he was attending Rice University, and she, the University of Houston. Fred was smitten from first sight. Having his father’s new Buick rear-ended sitting parked in the street while he walked Mary Lynn to the door did not deter a second date. If anything, it warmed Mary Lynn’s heart to Fred as she watched him call his dad to give him the news about the new car. They married in June 1956.

The stories of their early years were always a joy to hear retold as they spent years in medical school in financial hardship and newlywed bliss. A small one room apartment in Galveston had to transition from living area to sleeping area each evening. Their first son, Keith, was born in November 1957. An internship in New Mexico found them living in a modified railroad box car.

Mary Lynn taught school in Port Bolivar and Pasadena while Fred was attending UT Medical School in Galveston and she provided the economic and emotional support he needed to achieve his goals. Their second son, David, was born August 1961 one month before hurricane Carla sent Galveston residents scrambling inland for safety.

By 1963, his surgical residency was complete and Fred and Mary Lynn settled in Beaumont. Fred went into clinical practice as an orthopedic surgeon. Their third son, Eric, was born August 1966 as Fred began a long and fulfilling medical career in Beaumont.

During these years Fred touched the lives of thousands of families throughout Southeast Texas with his skills as a surgeon, blessed with a compassionate heart. It seemed that he never slept, for he worked long hours, often through the night, yet he always found the time to be an involved and loving husband and father. Always eager to share his passion for fishing and bird hunting with his bride and sons, the family members all have many stories and memories of their time together.

His only other sibling, Evelyn, was also taken by cancer. Her three children; Stephanie, Lee and Lisa embarked on Health Career paths as well and he was always proud of their accomplishments. There were many happy memories over the summers at the beach in Port Bolivar with Evelyn and her children.

After the boys grew up, married, and moved away, Fred retired in the mid 1990’s and devoted more time to Mary Lynn and their friends, traveling, hosting parties, and immersing themselves into their local community and St Stephen’s church. Fred was always passionate about growing roses, fishing, hunting, good food and wine. A glass of wine with Mary Lynn by the Koi pond each evening were welcome moments of relaxation and the couple shared a storybook marriage.

Fred’s uncle Cecil’s daughter, Ceci, along with her husband Dudley were favorite traveling companions of Fred and Mary Lynn in early retirement. They had several delightful adventures, especially trips to Africa and Turkey.

A family gathering in Captiva Florida in 2001 was one of his special gifts; providing an opportunity for the families of his three sons to bond as they had scattered geographically, pursuing their chosen careers. Fred and Mary Lynn’s 50th wedding anniversary party was another moment that brought the family closer and bonded their many friends to their sons, wives, and grandchildren.

Living with Mary Lynn’s deterioration from Alzheimer’s was very difficult for Fred and his heart grieved. He adored his soul mate, and she him. Fred found joy in fishing with his family and friends right up to his final days. His devotion to career and family are an inspiration to us all and he will be greatly missed.

We all love you Dad; hook, line and sinker!

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lynn Bessell; sons, Jon Keith Bessell and his wife, Karen, of Flower Mound; David Wayne Bessell and his wife, Wendy, of Friendswood; and Eric Randall Bessell and his wife, Christa, of Valrico, Florida; his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A gathering of his family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  A memorial service for Dr. Bessell will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2014, in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware in Beaumont with a reception to follow at the church in Broce Hall.  A private family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to; Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231 (www.smiletrain.org) or to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.