AVA - Dennis William Beshears Sr., 79, of Ava, IL., passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at home surrounded by family.

Dennis was born August 12, 1946, to John and Nora (Louvier) Beshears in East St. Louis, IL., at St. Mary's Hospital. He was the youngest of 6 Children.

Dennis enlisted in the United States Navy in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969. He served aboard the USS Enterprise. He enjoyed his travels during his military career and spoke of it often. He retired from Penn Aluminum in Murphysboro after 30 years of service.

Dennis was an avid WWE and sports fan, with his favorite baseball team being whoever beat the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved playing scratch-offs and once won a Ford Mustang in a raffle when serving in the Navy.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra (Newton) Beshears, as well as three children, Kimberly Moore of Ava, Dennis Beshears Jr. (Jeannie) of Steeleville, and Steve Newton (Tracy) of Murphysboro. Nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also survive.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, brothers David Eugene, Ronald Lee, Robert Louis, John "Jack" Charles, and Edward Joseph Beshears, as well as his sister Marietta "Mary" (Thomas) Schultz.

Visitation: Friends may call from 10:00am - 1:00pm Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Funeral will be held following visitation at 1:00 pm Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Wilson Funeral Home, 206 5th St, Ava, IL 62907, with Pastor Stephen Duncan officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, IL.

Memorials may be given to the family and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL.