Clyde Besson, pastor, author, counselor, dies in Scottsdale

Clyde Besson, pastor, author, counselor and seminar leader, died Dec. 9 in Scottsdale. He was 81.

Besson founded and directed Christian Growth Ministries, a nonprofit organization providing family counseling, personal growth seminars and video series for single adults, couples and single parents. He was the author of Picking up the Pieces: Successful Single Living and Growing Together: Growth Coaching for Couples.

Besson served as a pastor of churches in Louisiana, Texas, Georgia and Arizona for more than 50 years, including serving as minister to families at North Phoenix Baptist Church, Phoenix, for 6 years.

After retirement, he served Arizona churches during the pastor search process as a transitional pastor. His greatest desire was to help Arizona churches become healthy examples of God’s grace so their leadership and new pastors could move forward with the Great Commission in a mighty way.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughters Catherine Tatom, Janet Roessler and Kelly Reagin; sons Keith Besson and Kevin Reagin; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and five sisters.

A graveside service was held Dec. 16, 2016 in Scottsdale. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, at North Phoenix Baptist Chapel, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Growth Ministries, 6321 East Catalina Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85251.