Benny Paul Bestgen

Benny Paul Bestgen, age 73, of Tipton, Missouri passed away Monday, June 24, 2024, at his home after battling Parkinson’s disease for the last 12 years.

He was born on February 28, 1951, in Boonville, Missouri, to Cecil and Lucille Bestgen and was a member of the St. Andrew Catholic Church.

Benny is survived by his wife, Reta; son, Nick (Maggie) of Jefferson City; son, Nathan (Bridget) of Tipton; daughter, Ashlee (Carl) Pettigrew of Tipton; grandchildren, Ben Bestgen, Emma Bestgen, Abram Pettigrew, Blaire Bestgen, Alden Pettigrew, Luke Bestgen, Beau Bestgen, Anderson Pettigrew, Baker Bestgen, and Atwell Pettigrew; sister, Paulette Anderson (Marc); sister, Barbara Reys (Bob); brother, Danny Bestgen; sister, Lucy Pedego; sister, Mary Clark (Ron); sister, Laurie Bestgen; sister, Ann Lowe (Bruce); and, sister, Ellen Allee (John). He is also survived by his brother-in-law Dale (Lynne) Spillars, brother-in-law Jim (Debbie) Spillars, Aunt, Mildred Martin, Uncle, Ron Orschlen, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Benny was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Lucille Bestgen.

In his early days, Benny was often found running with “Benny’s Boys” and Lucille ensured their bellies were kept full with her late night cooking. Throughout his life, Benny was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed football, basketball, baseball, and golf. He enjoyed watching the Chiefs, Royals, Rams, Mizzou Tigers, and Tipton Cardinals. If those teams were not playing, he enjoyed watching the Kansas Jayhawks lose.

Benny served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1975 and was stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Benny also played football for the Ramstein Rams and was named to the All European team.

Benny enjoyed playing cards, butchering, and spending time with family and friends. Much like his mother, Lucille, he enjoyed cooking and family gatherings were often filled with his favorite dishes.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Benny’s life at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tipton with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary Monday, July 1, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. followed by visitation until 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Anthony Viviano, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Tipton.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Tipton R-VI Football and Boys Golf programs, and also the St. Andrew building renovation project.

Arrangements are in the care of Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home, Tipton, MO.