IN MEMORIAM: Norman O. Besheer

Norman O. Besheer

Norman O. Besheer passed away on Dec. 23, 2024, at home at the age of 96. He was a husband of 73 years to Patricia Ann Besheer (preceding him in death in January of 2023), a father to four children Kimbrough Besheer, Christie (Besheer) Biggs, Jay Besheer and Zachary Besheer. He was also a grandfather to 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Besheer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, serving aboard the USS Atlanta during the post-World War II period. His military service took him across the Pacific, including China, Japan and Australia. He served for 13 years in the US Marine Corps Reserve, retiring in 1982 as a Major.

Besheer dedicated much of his early career to the legal field and served as an attorney, corporate counsel and community advocate. In 1971, he left his career in law to join his father-in-law’s pest control company, Gunter Pest Management. As the second-generation family member to run the company, he was succeeded by his son Jay Gunter and grandson Noah Gunter, who currently operates the company as the fourth-generation president. Besheer remained the active CEO of Gunter Pest Management until his passing, driving to work regularly until the age of 95.

He was an active member of the Missouri Pest Management Association and the Kansas Pest Control Association (KPCA). He served as past president of the KPCA and was inducted into the KPCA Hall of Fame. He would even travel to the state capitol to lobby for the pest control industry. He was also a longstanding Pi Chi Omega member and past board member.

A memorial service will be held at Keystone United Methodist Church on Jan. 18 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a full military honor ceremony.