Terry L. Besel

Terry Lynn Besel has been called to his heavenly home on August 9, 2026 at the age of 78. Terry was born at St. Anthony Hospital in Wenatchee on January 22, 1948 to Fred and Martha (Becker) Besel, and received Christian baptism of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on March 7, 1948. He is a graduate of Happy Home (elementary) in 1960, Waterville High School in 1966 (a seven-time letterman in football, wrestling, and baseball), and Spokane Community College in 1968 with an Associate of Applied Science in Drafting and Design. He worked as a draftsman in Richland before voluntarily enlisting in the United States Army active duty in 1968, was deployed to South Korea, and was discharged honorably. He returned home to Waterville to run his family’s wheat farm, partnering with his father Fred and his uncle Conrad until their respective retirements. Terry married Bertys Davis in Walla Walla at Trinity Lutheran Church in 1973, raising three children in Waterville. Terry and Bertys were loyal supporters of Washington State University, members of the Director’s Circle of the Cougar Club since 1974. Terry served on the board of directors of Waterville School District, elected for four terms beginning in 1976 until stepping down in 1992. He was appointed to and served on the Board of Supervisors of the South Douglas Conservation District. Terry was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Withrow through its consolidation with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, serving as an Elder at both. He is remembered, among many things, for his selflessness, generosity, humility, his love of the Cougs and the San Francisco Giants, his love for scripture, and his belief in God’s sure promise of heaven. His family loves him beyond words and misses him very deeply here until we see him again. Terry is preceded by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife Bertys, his daughter Amanda, his sons Todd and Brad, his sisters Judy Lais (Byron), Cheryl Adams (Ross), Cindy Schmick (Paul), his brother Alan Besel (Denise), and numerous nieces and nephews. A Christian funeral will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 AM. Memorial gifts in Terry’s name if desired are suggested to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or Waterville City Pool. Please express your thought and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home.

Terry L. Besel

January 22, 1948 - August 9, 2026