Larry X. Besant

Larry Xon Besant passed away at his home in Centralia Illinois, Tuesday, March 13, 2012 on his 77th birthday. Larry X. Besant was born in Centralia Illinois, March 13, 1935, the son of the late Marjorie Loyce (Jarboe) and Ben Vern Besant. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Audrey Jean (Hofstetter) Besant and sister Kathleen Margaret Besant. Larry is survived by his five children, Vicki Cameron Besant (OH), Lari Lizbeth Besant (John Magdalenski, CO), Paul Xon Besant (MO), Peter Kean Besant (Donna, KY), and Mary Marjorie Besant (IL); nine grandchildren, Zac Emerson Arcaro (Sera, NC), Audrey Bevin Arcaro (OH), Eva Ray Magdalenski (CA), Eliza Jane Magdalenski (CO), Benjamin Xon Besant (FL), Noah Samuel Besant (MO), Gabriel Besant (MO), Nathan Edward Besant (KY), and Ella Katherine Besant (KY); and one great grandchild, Alice Vivienne Arcaro (NC). Larry was a 1953 graduate of Centralia High School in Centralia Illinois. He attended the Kaskaskia Community College, Denver University, and graduated from the University of Illinois where he also received his Master’s degree in Library Science. He served his country in the Air Force for three years prior to becoming a Librarian with Chemical Abstracts in Columbus Ohio. His career as a Librarian then led him to the University of Houston, Ohio State University, Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, and finally to Morehead State University in Morehead Kentucky where he retired as Director of Libraries at Camden Carroll Library in 2006. Larry was an historian, avid fisherman, reader of an eclectic array of literary works, and collector of author Jack London books and articles. Larry enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Larry was a good friend to many and led an active and social life. A memorial service will be held at Sutherland Funeral Home in Centralia on Saturday, March 17th, 2012 at 11:00am at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held immediately following at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Donor’s Choice and will be received at the funeral home.

Larry X. Besant

March 13, 1935 - March 13, 2012