Louis J. Besson Jr.

Born April 25, 1937 in Pekin to Louis Jule and Dorothy E. (Smith) Besson, Sr., he married Mary E. Staker on March 10, 1973. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Brian (Cheri) Besson of Wisconsin, Kathy (Jeff) Frossard of New Braunfels, Texas, Deborah “Deb” Staker of Pekin and Tim (Beth) Staker of Indiana; seven grandchildren, Tyler (Heather) Besson, Allison (Jose) Michelena, Alex (John) Torres, Angela Staley, Brandon Jackson, Alexis (Savannah) Staker and Alicia Ballinger; six great-grandchildren, Taylyn, Luca, Elliot, Jupiter, Dave and Pippa and his two cats, Chippa and Ringo.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Louie had worked in the Steamfitters Union until the 1970’s when he retired.

Throughout his entire life, Louie loved cars, specifically Corvettes. He would build them from scratch and loved going out for a drive. A big part of his life was visiting his son’s farm as well. And he always made the time to play a hand of cards with his wife.

A burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit Preston-Hanley.com