Raymond Alton Bessemer

June 4, 1928-January 23, 2012

Dr. Raymond A. Bessemer, a well-known family physician in Merced, has passed away. Born in Washington D.C. on June 4, 1928, Ray attended Carnegie Mellon University before enlisting in the U.S. Army to fight during the Korean War. At the end of his military career he was presented with the Bronze Star Medal for acts of heroism during the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, where he led his unit to safety after his commanding officer was killed in action. Following his tour of duty, Ray resumed his education and earned a BS from the University of Chicago, followed by an MD from the Medical School at the University of Illinois, Chicago. After completing his residency at Cook County General Hospital in Chicago, he worked in Eureka, California, later joining a practice on Bainbridge Island, Washington, before finally relocating in 1963 to Merced, where he would spend the rest of his professional career and life.

Once in Merced, Dr. Bessemer would form the Merced Family Practice Medical Group with the aim of expanding and strengthening the medical services available to residents of Merced’s south side. He was the first physician in Merced to introduce physician’s assistants and, later, pediatricians and OB/GYNs into his practice. He was also an ardent advocate of the La Leche philosophy of breastfeeding and early infant care. Over his long career in Merced, Dr. Bessemer delivered countless babies and touched the lives of as many families before finally retiring in 1997, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends on Monday, January 23, at the age of 83.

Dr. Bessemer is survived by long time friend, work colleague, and caregiver, Merlene Coles; his six sons and their spouses, Brian (and Janet), Greg (and Gwen), Paul (and Yedida), Raymond (and Fengshun), Christopher, and Leonard; and his three grandchildren, Danielle Marie, Beryl Elia, and Ahaviah Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Mary Bessemer, and his sister, AliceToth.

A memorial service will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home at 1490 B St., in Merced on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 2:00 p.m., followed by an informal gathering at the Branding Iron Restaurant on 640 W. 16th St. Both the service and the gathering are open to all wishing to pay their respects.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.