Larry J. Besson, 74, of Stonington passed away at 6:30 P.M. on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. He was born on October 20, 1942 in Taylorville, the son of Hyppolite and Blanche (Campbell) Besson. On August 24, 1963 he married Mary Jane Hodges in Augusta, Georgia. Larry was a veteran of the US Army, specializing in communications. Larry retired as an electrician for Caterpillar, where he worked for over 30 years. He was a member of the Stonington First Baptist Church. Larry devoted much of his life to the American Legion and served in many capacities including: Post Commander and Financial Officer for Post 257 in Stonington, Past Commander of District 21, Division, and Illinois State Commander where he also served as National Chairman of the Internal Affairs Committee. He also served as a volunteer firefighter in Stonington for over 25 years. Larry was a member of the Stonington Masonic Lodge 1066 and was also a member of the Ansar Shrine. He loved hunting for many years and had many memorable trips.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Jane Besson of Stonington; sons: Mark (Racheal) Besson of Topeka, Kansas and Brad (Julie) Besson of Jacksonville; grandchildren: Alisha Besson, Matt Besson, Gart Besson, Leah Besson, Lucas McKenna, Travis McKenna, Chelsea Landzettel, Skylar Tucker, and Kassidy Tucker; 8 great grandchildren; brother: Robert “Buz” Besson of Taylorville; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at 12noon on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Rev. William Mitchel officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. until the time of the service. Burial, with veteran’s honors, will be in the Old Stonington Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements. Memories of Larry, or condolences to the family, may left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.