Those who knew Judge Shawn Delayne Bessey of Hughson say he was an incredible person outside of the judicial robe as well and that his loss is profound.
Bessey died Thursday evening, May 1 at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto after waging a long battle with kidney cancer that began with his diagnosis in 2017. He was 61.
Knowing what lay ahead, he often would tell others, “I just want to kick the can down the road as long as I can.”
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15 at CrossPoint Community Church, 1309 12th Street, Modesto. A reception will follow.
“Judge Bessey lived his promise to deliver justice with fairness, integrity, and compassion,” said fellow judge Jeff Mangar. “He served with deep dedication, a sharp wit, and a genuine love for his family — especially his son, Rowan. We will miss him dearly.”
Bessey was elected as a Stanislaus County Superior Court judge on Nov. 2, 2010, and diligently served until his passing.
Fellow jurists say they will remember Bessey as a dedicated, hardworking, and intelligent judge who was deeply committed to the citizens of Stanislaus County. They recall his sharp sense of humor, gift for storytelling, practical approach to the law, dedication to court staff, and his unwavering fairness.
Upon his election to the bench 15 years ago, Judge Bessey vowed, “My most important priority is to achieve justice in every case. I will do this in a fair, impartial, efficient, and swift manner while keeping in mind the rights of all involved and the community’s safety.” His legacy confirms he fulfilled this promise admirably.
He began his legal career in the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, where he first worked as a victim’s advocate before rising to Senior Deputy District Attorney. In this role, he prosecuted complex and serious crimes, including drive-by shootings, domestic and elder abuse, gang violence, robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults. A respected mentor and instructor, he also trained prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and fire officials. In recognition of his service, he received the Prosecutor of the Year Award in 2006 from the Modesto Police Department, the Sund-Carrington Foundation, and the Victims Services Unit.
He also served as past president of the Stanislaus County Peace Officers’ Association.
Born in Lindsay, on Jan. 9, 1964, Judge Bessey was the son of the late Donald and Nancy Bessey and graduated from Lindsay High School in 1982. He attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Fresno State University and his Juris Doctor from Humphreys College.
He had a passion for poker, golf, fishing, hunting and live music. His greatest joy, however, was the birth of his son Rowan in 2014. Judge Bessey treasured fatherhood, taking immense pride in his son’s achievements, enthusiastically attending baseball and soccer games, playing pickleball, and teaching Rowan to fish and play cards. Just weeks before his passing, he proudly cheered at soccer games and beamed with pride at Rowan’s first Jiu-Jitsu tournament.
He is survived by his son, Rowan Bessey; his brothers, Randy, Lance, Bradly and Brandon Bessey; and a wide circle of family and friends who loved and admired him.
In lieu of flowers, Judge Bessey asked that donations be made to Modesto Gospel Mission (mymission.org/donate) or UCSF Foundation (giving.ucsf.edu)
