Clarence Richard Bresson, longtime Bartlesville resident and retired Phillips chemist, lived an extraordinarily full and loving life. He loved the Lord, his family and his community, and he shone like a bright light in this world. He was 93 years young when he died Friday in Bartlesville.
Clarence or Dick as he was known was born the son of Lawrence Alexander and Helen Pauline (Girard) Bresson on July 30, 1925, in Wooster, Ohio. Growing up with his twin brother Larry during the Great Depression proved to be great fun and they loved playing practical jokes. Together they delivered milk every morning from the dairy the family owned. Dick graduated from Wooster High School in 1943 and entered the U.S. Army serving during World War II in the South Pacific, Guam and the Mariana Islands with the Signal Corps. Once honorably discharged he furthered his education at Wooster College for his bachelor's degree. He completed course work at Ohio State before transferring to Washington State Univ. to finish his PhD.
Dick moved to Bartlesville in 1958 to start his career with Phillips Petroleum Co. as a research chemist. Over 27 years of dedicated service, Dick received 73 patents related to various projects he was involved in. Shortly after moving to Bartlesville he attended a church singles picnic and quickly made an impression on Mary Lou Lannan. After some time she decided to give him a chance and they were united in marriage on July 2, 1960, at St John Catholic Church.
Once retired Dick pursed his passion full-time for volunteering. He was a Boy Scout leader, where he was recognized as a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow and received the Silver Beaver Award. He received training at Philmont in Scouter Development, went on to train many local leaders in the Cherokee Area Council, focusing on troops meeting at catholic churches, and received the Bronze Pelican Award and St. George Award. At church he was a Bible study leader, and a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Dick was a hospice volunteer, and he spent many years volunteering at Jane Phillips Hospital in the ER and recovery areas. He volunteered with the Philips Petroleum Museum once it opened. He worked with the Osage County Election Board and helped prepare taxes for local families through local organizations. Dick enjoyed operating ham radios and was a storm spotter. Mary Lou went along on one watch and decided it wasn't for her once the car started shaking violently in the wind.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Mary Lou of the home; three children Michael Bresson and Sheila Murray of Houston, Helen Bresson of Bartlesville, and Rhonda Braselton and Lon of Allen, TX; one brother John Bresson and Elnore of Berea, OH; two sisters, Collette Krantz of Chicago, and Maurita Grindle and John of Apple Valley, MN; five grandchildren Richard Bresson, Jacob Braselton, Sarah Braselton, Sean Bresson and Declan Bresson; one great granddaughter Carolina Bresson and special Schnoodle Bart. He is preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Larry Bresson, brother Tommy Bresson and sister Pat Wernet.
Funeral mass will be held Wed.,10am at St. John Before the Latin Gate Catholic Church in Bartlesville. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. |