David Clarence Bess

David C. Bess Sr. Sunrise: August 13, 1942 Sunset: October 26, 2017 David C. Bess Sr. was the youngest of three sons, born on August 13, 1942 in Oakland California to the proud parents of John Louis Bess Sr. and Lessie Beatrice Porter-Bess. David lived in Cypress Village, along with John Jr, and Freddie where he attended Cole Elementary School. His family moved to Brookfield Village where he attended Emerson Junior High and later Castlemont High. His family moved to Alameda, where he transferred to Encinal High. After graduation, he attended Laney College in Oakland Ca. majoring in Architectural Drafting. David met Janie, at a drive-in movie, when they were only 16 years old. One of his main objectives was to marry a “Berkeley” girl, so he knew she was “the one” Their first official date was to Oakland Veterans Hall where they danced at “The Mambo Sessions”. David joined the Air Force shortly after Little David was born. He came back from basic training taking Janie and Little David with him to McChord Air Force Base. Shortly afterwards, Terri Minjon was born. When David got orders to Vietnam, his family returned to Berkeley. During a short term at Hamilton Air Base, California, their youngest son, Tony was born. David always wanted to travel and take his family with him. After returning from an unaccompanied tour to South Korea, he moved with his family to Castle Air Force Base in California. He took his family with him on two overseas tours; Misawa Air Base Japan and later to Clark Air Base in the Philippines. He knew how to make the military work in his favor. David was a faithful Masonic Brother of O’Misawa Lodge #54 of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F&AM Jurisdiction of Washington State. He loved to sing and perform in talent shows. He performed and won Solo Artist and also Lead singer in the Group, “Black Satin” at a Tops In Blue Air Force Competition, performing all over the Far East. He was paid to perform in private clubs in Misawa with another group of military musicians while stationed in Japan. David retired from the Military at the rank of Master Sergeant in 1989. He worked for Solano County for 10 years obtaining a second retirement. David was a great father helping raise many children in the family. He and Janie acquired legal guardianship of Darrell, Darnell and Avory Mitchell. Throughout his years David enjoyed having kids around him, and was often looked to as “The-Disciplinarian”, as well as a mentor to many of his cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death his father John L Bess, Sr. and mother Lessie Beatrice Porter-Bess. His eldest brother John Bess, Jr., nephew John Bess, III, and his favorite Aunt Thelma. He is survived by his brother Fred Bess Sr. wife Janie; Sister-in-law Lorrie Ann Lightfoot; daughter Terri Minjon; sons David Jr, and Tony Sr.; daughter-in-law Leea Bess, grandsons Dominiq Woodard, Tony Bess Jr.; adopted daughter Lolita Hill, and a hosts of other relatives, members and friends. Service: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 11:00 am Located at Mount Calvary Baptist Church 1735 Enterprise Drive, Bldg. 3 Fairfield, CA 94533 Jasper Lee, Reverend Dr. Claybon Lea, Senior Pastor