Boyd Thomas Bessey

Boyd Thomas (Tom) Bessey of Paw Paw, Michigan passed away at his residence on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Tom was born in Paw Paw, Michigan on May 6, 1936 to Boyd G. and Carol I. (Dornan) Bessey. He married Joanne Marie Stimson on February 9, 1957. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary shortly before Joanne’s death on February 20, 2021.

Tom attended college at Michigan Technological University and Purdue University, where he was a member of the baseball team. He worked for Duo Tang, Inc. for over 40 years, rising to the position of CEO of the company. At the time of his retirement in 1999, Tom had acquired the company. Tom was very involved in many business, civic, and philanthropic activities. Some highlights of his involvement included: Treasurer of Lakeview Hospital Board of Trustees; Chairman of Van Buren County Healthcare Services Board of Directors; President of Lakeview Medical Services; Board Member of the National Business and Office Products Association; Chairman of the Paw Paw Area Community Chest; and, Board of Directors of Bronson Healthcare Group. Tom’s greatest priority was his wife and family. In addition to spending time with them, he enjoyed working on a wide variety of creative projects in his workshop. He was also an avid photographer and golfer.

Tom is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Jeffrey and Anne Bessey, his daughter, Cindy Hatfield, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Mark Bessey. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Joy Grudecki, and by Mark’s partner, Becky Mitchell.