John Lee Bess

Longtime Estacada resident, John Bess, died March 3, 2021 at a Gresham Hospital. He was 79 years old. A private family gathering and a celebration of his life will be held. Johnny Lee Bess was born July 10, 1941 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Edward and Lois (Davis) Bess. As a child he moved to Estacada where he graduated from high school. He entered into the US Army in 1964 And was honorably discharged in 1967. On July 9, 1965 John married Velda Mathes in Estacada, Oregon. They made their home in Estacada where they raised their family and where John worked as an electrician. John enjoyed working in the yard and traveling but his family and grandchildren greatest joy. Survivors include his daughters, Karen Ricci, Brandy Clark; sons, Jeff Bess, Rick Perry; sisters, Merry Grant, Lanie Jones, Faye Jonovich, Lois Smith; brothers, Howard, Bob and Bill Bess; 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Bill; wife, Velda Bess and siblings, Anna Mae and Sue.