Emmett W. "Joe" Tesson

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Emmett W. “Joe” Tesson, 77, of Warrenton passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2022, surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital Washington.

Joe was born on March 20, 1945, to Jacob and Ethel Tesson in St. Louis County. Joe graduated from Warrenton High School in 1963. Joe married the love of his life, Connie McClure, on Jan. 25, 1964, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Oakville, MO. To this union two children were born, Michelle Woodruff (Tom) of Cottleville, MO, and Deanna “Dede” Hagedorn (Donny) of Rhineland, MO.

After high school, Joe worked for McDonnell Douglas and Modern Auto Body Shop in Washington until 1980 when he opened his own body shop. In 2004, he closed his business and went to East Central College, earned his HVAC degree and went to work for the Warren County School District Maintenance Department. Joe retired at the age of 71.

Joe loved fishing, hunting, black powder rifles, and playing music, especially his fiddle. He always enjoyed playing music with friends in his Booneslick Strings Band at various occasions and locations. He participated in the Lewis and Clark reenactment with the Corp of Discovery in 2004, playing the part of Pierre Cruzette, the one eyed fiddle player.

Joe was proud of his grandchildren and had a special place in his heart for the kids at school, eating lunch every day with the students who had disabilities.

Joe was a member of Booneslick Muzzle Loaders Club, The Corp of Discovery, and Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight for many years at St. Mary’s Parish in Hawk Point.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Connie Tesson; two daughters, Michelle (Tom) Woodruff, and Deanna “Dede” (Donny) Hagedorn; four grandchildren, Erin and Nicole Owenby, and Shaneerah Woodruff and James Hagedorn; brother, Jim Tesson of St. Louis County, MO; Sisters-in-law, Deb Tesson, Mary (Harrison) Burts, Janet Wippler, Betty Clemonds and Gloria Sue Hale; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers-in-law, Tom, Jerry and Freddie McClure; and his sister-in-law, Donna McClure.

Visitation for Joe will be held Thursday, Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m. at Pitman Funeral Home, in Warrenton. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Lippstadt Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Warren County Senior Center or Warren County Special Olympics in care of Pitman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 126, Warrenton, MO 63383.


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