In Memoriam: Norman O. Besheer

Norman O. Besheer, longtime leader of Gunter Pest Management, passed away on Dec 23. He was 96,

Besheer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17, serving aboard the USS Atlanta during the post-World War II period. He retired from the Marine Corps as a major, in 1982.

In 1971, he left his law career to take over his father-in-law’s company, Gunter Pest Management.  The company is now run by his son, Jay, and grandson, Noah, third- and fourth-generation company leaders.

Besheer also was an active member of the National Pest Management Association, the Missouri and Kansas Pest Management Associations, and he was a member of PCT's inaugural Crown Leadership Awards class (1989).  

As reported in his Crown Leadership Award article, Besheer spent countless hours commuting between Kansas City, Mo., and the state's capitol, Jefferson City, Mo., lobbying for the industry. He said, "I think it's important for PCOs to take a proactive approach to issues that are likely to affect their businesses." One example of Besheer's proactive advocacy was his and others (MPCA/KPCA members) efforts to secure legislation requiring "verifiable training" of pest control service personnel, PCT reported in 1989.

As noted in his obituary, Besheer’s “passion for history, genealogy, and storytelling inspired those who knew him, and his love of languages and travel enriched his family’s lives.”

A memorial service will be held at Keystone United Methodist Church on Jan. 18, at 10 a.m., followed by a full military honor ceremony. Read his full obituary.

Additional source: www.dignitymemorial.com

© credit: Brett Hackert | LUMEN