Richard E. Bessette, 68, of 93 Ramshorn Road, a longtime trucker and country-music player, died Tuesday in his home after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 19 years, Shirley A. (Prunier) Bessette; nine sons, Richard Bessette in Minnesota, Wayne Bessette of Ware, Arthur Bessette in Florida, Michael Bessette of Charlton, Roger Bessette of Sturbridge, Charles Bessette of Dudley, Lynus Bessette of Ware, Delore Bessette of Worcester and Barry Bessette of Southbridge; six daughters, Sheila Hryzan, Sharon Bessette and Melody Bessette, all of Webster, Helen Lemieux of Ware, Bertha Williams of Worcester and Cindy Holbrook of Southbridge; three stepsons, Richard Prunier of Southbridge, Charles and Michael Prunier, both of Charlton; three stepdaughters, Janet Prunier of Southbridge, Theresa Murphy of Charlton and Dorna Murphy of Southbridge; three brothers, Francis Bessette of Westfield, Albert Bessette of Ware and Frederick Bessette of Windsor, N.Y.; three sisters, Theresa Gale of Spencer, Connie Massey of Holyoke and Gloria Ringer of Agawam; 67 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces. He was born in Ware, son of Adelard A. and Arlene (Bacon) Bessette and lived here more than 40 years. He once served in the merchant marines. He owned and operated Bessette Trucking for many years. He was also a driver for Piolot Transportation, Marcell's Transportation, Wajer's Express, formerly of Dudley, and Harry Seder Wholesale Grocers, formerly of Webster. Mr. Bessette was a member of the Charlton Beagle Club and Webster Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a retired member of Local 170, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, in Worcester. He played country music in the area for many years. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow in Robert J. Miller Funeral Home, 366 School St., Webster. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, Webster. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Flowers may be sent, or memorial contributions made to a charity.