Dr. C.G. “Wes” Wesse, a World War II veteran, passed away on April 1, 2013, at Heritage Manor in Rolling Fork from complications due to Alzheimer’s. Dr. Wesse was born on Aug. 18, 1926, in Dolton, Ill. (South Chicago). His parents, the late Clarence William and Anna “Schug” Wesse, were first generation American Germans.

Dr. Wesse had been in the holistic health field since 1952, when he received his naturopathic doctor’s degree from American University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in Los Angeles, Calif. He then studied drugless therapy and homeopathic medicine.

Dr. Wesse was in the first class to be certified by the International Institute of Reflexology. He studied polarity therapy under the Master, Pierre Pannetier and assisted Pannetier in workshops around the U.S. In 1976, Dr. Wesse went into private practice where he remained until his retirement in 2012.

Dr. Wesse led a full and colorful life. Among his many accomplishments, he received his private pilot’s license in 1948, flew a bi-plane, was an avid golfer, an accomplished accordion player and ballroom dancer extraordinaire!

He is survived by his devoted and gracious wife, Elizabeth West Wesse; his son, Bill, and daughter-in-law, Lyn, of Charlotte, N.C.; stepchildren, Esther (Jett) Herring, Phyllis Robinson and Charles Nordan II; grandchildren, John-Philip Robinson, Avery (Luke) Adkins, Sterling Robinson, and Sarah, Erica, Crystal and Laura Wesse; six great-grandchildren; his beloved dog, Bella; brothers-in-law, John (Dona) West and Gordon (Cindy) West, sister-in-law, Mary West; and longtime golfing friend, Billy Walker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Steven Wesse.

A funeral service for Dr. Wesse will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer on Friday, April 5, at 2 p.m., with visitation from noon until 1:45 p.m. in Cannon Hall. Riverwood Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer’s music program.

To express your thoughts to the family, you may visit riverwoodfamily.com and click on his name to leave a comment.