Norman O. Besheer

Norman O. Besheer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and community leader passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at home at the age of 96. Born on December 21, 1928, in Independence, Missouri, Norman lived a life of service, dedication and unwavering love for his family and country. He was a loving husband of 73 years to his wife Patricia Ann Besheer (preceding him in death January of 2023,) a dedicated father to his four children Kimbrough Besheer, Christie (Besheer) Biggs, Jay Besheer and Zachary Besheer. He was a proud grandfather, fondly known as Papa, to eleven grandchildren Samantha, Ashley, Adam, Sybil, Noah, Hayley, Bailey, Luke, Hadley, Daniel, Carter and great-grandchildren Beckett, Charlie, Max, Violet, Scarlet, Claudia, Leona and Jack. Norman’s family cherishes his legacy and his dedication to instill in each the values of hard work, faith, and service. His memory will be cherished by friend and late-life companion from Kingswood Senior Living, Nellie Klassen.

Norman was the son of Royal Pleasant Besheer and Grace Malinda White Besheer. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, alongside his four siblings, developing a strong sense of community and resilience during the Great Depression. His early years were marked by a passion for learning, instilled by inspirational teachers who shaped his future leadership roles, attending Washington Irving Elementary School and Central High School where he met his future wife, Patricia.

During his grade school and high school days he was actively involved in Boy Scouts, DeMolay, first lieutenant of ROTC and a member of the National Honor Society.

Norman’s independence and determination really shone in 1945 when his family moved to Houston, while Norman insisted on staying in Kansas City. At the age of 16, he moved himself into a boarding house at 34th and Benton Blvd and began working night shifts after school at Hallmark Cards. It was about this time that he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann (“Pat”) Gunter, whom he later married in 1949. Patricia’s grandfather Luther E. (“Pop”) Gunter and grandmother Bertha Gunter managed the cafeteria at Central High School, and famously slipped Norman free “slugs” (coins) which he used to buy a daily school lunch. According to Norman, “If it were not for ‘Pop,’ I would have starved to death!”

A proud veteran, Norman 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, leaving him with a deep appreciation for the world and its diverse cultures. Norman served for 13 years in the US Marine Corps Reserve, retiring in 1982 as a Major, a rank he considered one of his greatest achievements.

Norman pursued higher education with the same vigor, earning his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas City School of Law. He dedicated much of his early career to the legal field and served as an attorney, corporate counsel, and community advocate. His career in law spanned roles as house counsel at Kansas City Life Insurance and North Penn Gas Company and Assistant Corporate Secretary at The Gas Service Company. In 1971, Norman left his career in law to join his father-in-law at his pest control company Gunter Pest Management. As the second generation family member to run the company, Norman was proudly succeeded by his son Jay Gunter and grandson Noah Gunter who currently operates the company as the fourth generation president. Norman remained the active CEO of Gunter Pest until his passing, driving to work regularly until the age of 95.

As an active member of the Kansas City community, Norman served in numerous leadership roles, from civic organizations to political committees, always striving to improve the lives of those around him. He was a member and officer in several organizations, including serving on the Waldo Business Association board for multiple decades and honored as Mayor of Waldo, he was an original member of the Kansas City Transit Authority (which devised the early plan for the Light Rail system in KC,) served on the board of directors for the Better Business Association, YMCA (and sold Christmas trees in inclement weather for many years to support the cause) and the National Pest Management Association. He was past President and Man of the Year of the Kansas City Pest Control Association and an active member of the Missouri and Kansas Pest Management Associations, even traveling to the state capitol to lobby for the pest control industry. Needless to say, Norman was an icon and recognized leader in the Pest Management industry. He was a lifetime member and Senior Counselor of the Missouri Bar, member of the Navy League, Broadway Methodist Church, Masons, past President and Man of the Year for Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City, member of Micosay, an Elder, a choir member of 50 years and member of numerous committees at Broadway Methodist Church (now known as Keystone Methodist,) and a member of the Kingswood Choir during his last few years. His 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 January 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a full military honor ceremony.

Semper Fi, Norman. Your legacy endures.