Orion Daniel Bessinger, Age 92, died Wednesday May 14, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife Marjorie and family.

A Funeral Mass will be offered for Orion at 11 am Tuesday June 3, 2025 at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida.

Visitation 4 - 6 pm Monday, June 2nd at Davis Seawinds Funeral Home, 560 Montreal Avenue, Melbourne, Florida. A Rosary will be prayed on 5:30 pm Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made for Mass Intentions at Ascension or St. Mark Catholic Church in Au Gres.

Orion was born in Au Gres, MI on February 21, 1933, the son of the late Daniel and Odeal (Proulx-Brown) Bessinger. He graduated from Au Gres Sims High School as Valedictorian in 1951. He obtained his teaching degree and taught for a brief time in Parisville, MI in a one room school house. He married the love of his life, Marjorie Pawlowski, from Harbor Beach on May 21, 1955.

Orion co-owned and operated Bessinger Sales and Service (an Equipment Rental Service) in Livonia, Michigan with his brother Francis for 17 years. He then moved his family to his beloved town of Au Gres in 1976. There he co-owned Bessinger Chrysler Sales and Service with his brother Francis for a brief time. Later, he retired from The Bessinger pickle Company, which was founded by his Father Daniel and Uncle Henry Bessinger. He retired in Melbourne, Florida in 2001.

Faith, Family and helping those in need were the focus of Orion's life. He was an active volunteer at St. Mark Catholic Church in Au Gres. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, obtaining 4th Degree. He was known for his empathy for those mourning the death of a loved one, offering a hug and consoling words.

Orion could light up a room with his joyful and social disposition. He loved telling stories, especially to his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Marjorie; children Daniel (Karen) Bessinger, Jill (Mark) Morawa, Mary (Michael) Hoadley, and Kelly (Vincent) Pendred; grandchildren, Sarah, Gabrielle, Jacob, Nicholas, Natalie, Nathan, and Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Francis and George, and sister Joyce.