Dennis W. Bess, 51, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

He was born March 11, 1957, in Cape Girardeau to Dennis "Oscar" and Ruth Ann Dudley Bess.

Bess grew up in Chaffee, Mo., where he was a starter for the Chaffee Red Devils baseball team in 1975, when they won their 1st Class A State high school baseball title. He was a very avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He was also involved in many Cape Girardeau civic activities in the past 20 years.

He was the director of parts, service and customer relations for Coad Cape Toyota. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include a brother, Gary Bess of Cape Girardeau; three sisters, Sue (Martin) Scheffer of Chaffee, Gail Meyer and Lura (Larry) Scowden, both of Cape Girardeau; nieces and nephews, Chris Brooks of Advance, Mo., and Heather Davidson, Katie Scowden and Steven Meyer, all of Cape Girardeau; and a special friend and companion, Crystal Cerny of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Friends may help us celebrate Dennis' life after 4 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Chaffee.

The funeral will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Revs. Bill Ross and Vyron Yount officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee is in charge of the arrangements.