Family remembers man killed protecting wife

PLANT CITY (FOX 13) - The family of a man shot and killed trying to protect his wife during attempted robbery is mourning the loss of their father, husband, cancer-fighter and hero.  

The tremendous amount of love Michael Beson had for his family showed in everything he did.

"He was the sweetest man the best father anyone could have," said his daughter Raquel Beson.

Beson and his wife were just a couple weeks away from celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary, until a fateful trip to a gas station in Plant city cut that tragically short Friday night. 

The 67-year-old put his own safety aside to get between two men trying to rob her.

"My father loved his wife so very much he would do anything for her," said his son, Mike Beson II.

Tuesday, one of Beson's alleged killers appeared in court, 19 year old Xavier Smith.  He showed little reaction.
Beson's children had a harder time hiding their emotions.

"It's very hard we're still going thru the pain," said his son.

Beson was always positive, even after receiving a cancer diagnosis last year.  He never let up on that smile.

"He was such a positive and optimistic person he believed he could beat it," his daughter said.

"This case is so challenging because we just want closure and I wish I could bring my father back," his daughter said.

Police are still looking for that second suspect.  If you have any information, contact the Plant City Police Department.