James S. Cessna

James S. Cessna 83 of Preston St., Bedford, died, Thursday morning, December 4, 2008 at the Village at Morrisons Cove.  He was born October 1, 1925 in Bedford, son of the late John W. and Lillie V. (Sherman) Cessna.  On August 21, 1953 in Cumberland, MD, he married M. Patricia Beegle and she survives along with a son James B. Cessna married to the former Jean Phillips of Shippensburg and a daughter Tammy K. wife of Michael Diehl of Bedford.  Also surviving are four grandchildren: John W. and Frank B. Cessna, Christen K. wife of Robert Hinson and Luke M. Diehl, 7 great grandchildren, and three sisters: Emma R. Braun of Bedford, Mary E. wife of Paul Deasey, of Everett, and Joan wife of Ronald Conner of Queen, two brothers: Cecil P. Cessna and wife Janet of Chambersburg and Rev. Lowell Cessna and wife Carolyn of Midland, TX. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Luther and infant John.

Mr. Cessna was a member of Yeager Lutheran Church and a member of the Church Council.  He was a former Bedford Jaycee, a former member of the Toastmasters and past member of the Mill Hall Kiwanis Club.  He was also a past member and President of the Bedford School Board.  He was the former owner of the Cessna Insurance Agency in Bedford and Everett and most recently was a real-estate agent for West Realty.  During the Korean Conflict he served in the California National Guard.

Funeral services: Saturday, November 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Yeager Lutheran Church in Rainsburg, with Rev. Jenny Barnes officiating.  Burial in Woods Church Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.