Gary R. Hess

Gary R. Hess, 68, of Orangeville, died Thursday afternoon, October 31, 2019 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he had been since October 22nd.   

Born January 8, 1951 in Berwick, he was a son of Ross H. and Ethel M. (Remphrey) Hess, of Lightstreet.  He and his wife, Penny J. (Bunge) Hess, celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary on June 27th.

Gary was a 1969 graduate of Central Columbia High School.  He faithfully served his country in the U. S. Army in the Vietnam War.  He had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal with one Overseas Bar; the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 DVC, and the sharpshooter/grenade awards.  

He worked in bridge construction and later was the maintenance manager for Stony Brook Circle, but most recently was the facilities maintenance director at Shiloh Bible Church in Almedia,  retiring in 2015.

Gary was a very active member of Shiloh Bible Church, which played an integral part of his life.  He had served as a deacon and sang in the Church Choir.  

He was also a member of the Columbia Montour Barbershoppers and the Orangeville Sportsmen's Club.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He also enjoyed traveling and especially the many trips out west and his fishing trips to Pulaski, New York.

Surviving, along with his Parents,  Ross and Ethel Hess, and his wife, Penny, are his three sons:  Derrick Hess and his wife, Kristi, of Orangeville; Justin Hess, of Bloomsburg and Grant Hess, of Danville; a step daughter, Sherry Deets, of Denver, Colorado; three granddaughters:  Alycia, Katie and Violet; his sister, Kathy Arner and her husband, James, of Millville; a niece and a nephew and great nieces. 

Services with Military Honors will be held Thursday, November 7th, 2019 at 11 A. M. at the Shiloh Bible Church, Almedia with his Pastor, Rev. Dr. Douglas H. Lyon, officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Shiloh Bible Church, 123 Church Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton.  For online condolences or additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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