Bryan Cory Bessey

Bryan Cory Bessey, 69, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2026. Born on April 27, 1956, Bryan excelled at sports from an early age, earning all-city honors in eighth-grade basketball and later competing in track and field at Wichita East High School, where he also starred as fullback on the varsity football team. Quiet but confident, Bryan led more by example than by words, earning respect through his work ethic and steady presence.

He often told the story of walking into his senior-year government class and seeing a young lady sitting in the front row, thinking to himself, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” He would win her heart at a New Year’s Eve Party on the eve of 1974. Bryan and Vicki spent the next 52 years and 3 days together building a life and a family. She was the love of his life and he spent his life ensuring she was loved and cared for. He graduated from East High in 1974, married Vicki in 1976, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Wichita State University in 1979.

Two sons came next, along with camping trips, weeks at the lake every summer, help with homework, coaching sports teams, and chasing them from soccer and basketball games to plays and concerts. Bryan was the dad who showed up for every tournament and performance, beaming with pride. Intelligent and witty, he had a dry sense of humor and was far more fun than his quiet nature first suggested. He loved being around people, never met a stranger, and valued time spent with friends just as much as time with family.

As the kids got older, Bryan and Vicki discovered a shared love for scuba diving, logging hundreds of dives over 14 years. Eventually, the fins were retired in exchange for the title of Papa. Bryan adored his grandchildren and treasured taking them out on the boat every summer, always making sure they were safe, included, and having fun—just as he had done his whole life with those he loved.

Bryan spent nearly 40 years in the oil and gas industry, retiring in 2018 as a Petroleum Land Manager. Known for his intelligence, organization, and integrity, he earned the trust and respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Bryan loved nothing more than being outside—fishing, golfing, scuba diving, and camping—especially when it meant time on the water with family or friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Floydeane Bessey both of Wichita.

Survived by his Wife of 49 years, Vicki Bessey, Sons Jason (Lauren) Bessey of Leawood, Kansas and Blake (Dan Gutmann) Bessey of Urbandale, Iowa, Grandchildren Xander, Gavin, Austin, and Kylie. Brothers Bruce (Mary) Bessey of Derby, Kansas, Brent Bessey of Georgia, and Drew (Susan) Bessey of Wichita, Kansas, as well as numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Above all else, Bryan will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving Papa. He was a quiet man with a big heart—smart, steady, and deeply loyal—whose love for family and friends was shown through his words and a lifetime of selfless actions. His smile, humor, and quiet presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Cremation has been chosen. Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bryan's name to: KU Medical Center-Cleft Palate Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 or Kansas Food Bank, 1919 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67211.