Shawn Delayne Bessey

Judge Shawn Delayne Bessey of Hughson, CA, passed away at 8:18 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, California, at the age of 61. Diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2017, Judge Bessey courageously fought the disease with remarkable strength and fortitude as it progressed and metastasized. Knowing what lay ahead, he often said, "I just want to kick the can down the road as long as I can." That journey ended peacefully on the first day of May, surrounded by his beloved brothers Randy, Lance, Bradly, and Brandon Bessey; his best friend Wade Burdick; his cherished ten-year-old son Rowan; and Rowan's mother and grandparents, Amy, Dan, and Margaret Middleton.

A respected Superior Court Judge, he was often referred to as "The Honorable Shawn Bessey," a fitting tribute to a man recognized for his fairness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. Judge Bessey was elected to the Superior Court of Stanislaus County on November 2, 2010, and diligently served until his passing.

Judge Bessey began his legal career in the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, where he first worked as a victim’s advocate before rising to Senior Deputy District Attorney. In this role, he prosecuted complex and serious crimes, including drive-by shootings, domestic and elder abuse, gang violence, robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults. A respected mentor and instructor, he also trained prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and fire officials. In recognition of his service, he received the Prosecutor of the Year Award in 2006 from the Modesto Police Department, the Sund-Carrington Foundation, and the Victims Services Unit. He also served as past president of the Stanislaus County Peace Officers' Association. He remained with the District Attorney’s Office until being elected to the bench.

Born in Lindsay, California, on January 9, 1964, Judge Bessey was the son of the late Donald and Nancy Bessey and graduated from Lindsay High School in 1982. He attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, CA, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Fresno State University and his Juris Doctor from Humphreys College.

He had a passion for poker, golf, fishing, hunting, and live music. His greatest joy, however, was the birth of his son Rowan in 2014. Judge Bessey treasured fatherhood, taking immense pride in Rowan's achievements, enthusiastically attending baseball and soccer games, playing pickleball, and teaching Rowan to fish and play cards. Just weeks before his passing, he proudly cheered at soccer games and beamed with pride at Rowan’s first Jiu-Jitsu tournament.

Upon his election to the bench fifteen years ago, Judge Bessey vowed, "My most important priority is to achieve justice in every case. I will do this in a fair, impartial, efficient, and swift manner while keeping in mind the rights of all involved and the community’s safety." His legacy confirms he fulfilled this promise admirably.

Fellow jurists remember Judge Bessey as a dedicated, hardworking, and intelligent judge who was deeply committed to serving the citizens of Stanislaus County. His colleagues fondly recall his sharp sense of humor, gift for storytelling, practical approach to the law, dedication to court staff, and above all, his unwavering fairness. Judge Jeff Mangar aptly stated, "Judge Bessey lived his promise to deliver justice with fairness, integrity, and compassion. He served with deep dedication, a sharp wit, and a genuine love for his family—especially his son, Rowan. We will miss him dearly."

He is survived by his son, Rowan Bessey; his brothers, Randy, Lance, Bradly and Brandon Bessey; and a wide circle of family and friends who loved and admired him.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m. at CrossPoint Community Church, 1309 12th Street, Modesto, CA 95345. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, Judge Bessey asked that donations be made to Modesto Gospel Mission (mymission.org/donate) or UCSF Foundation (giving.ucsf.edu).