Robert L. "Bob" Hess

 Robert L. “Bob” Hess, 94, of Benton passed away peacefully from complications due to COVID-19 virus on Monday November, 16, 2020 at Bonham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Stillwater.  Surviving is his loving and devoted wife of 73 years, Jean M. (Young) Hess.

Born on June 21, 1926 in Waller, Jackson Township, he was the son of the late Joseph E. and Kathryn M. (Fritz) Hess.

In the fourth grade Bob sent a Valentine’s Day card to Jean (which she still has) and married her several years later, on June 27, 1947.   Almost inseparable for 73 years, Jean was the love of his life. Together they showed there family what a true marriage is supposed to be. 

Bob attended Benton High School before serving his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II. Subsequent to his military service he worked on various farms in the Waller and Stillwater area. After a short stint at the U.S. Radium plant in Lime Ridge he became an over the road truck driver, working many years for Hall’s Motor Transit Co. and also private owner/operator firms. Upon retiring from the Teamsters union, he delivered LP gas for Neil S. Harrison and Son as well as hauling fuel oil for Robert Sands. His love of a neat lawn led him to Benton Cemetery as caretaker for many years and only resigned during his late 80’s. 

Bob was a life member of the Waller United Methodist Church and Fort Ricketts VFW Post #8317, Benton, where he held various leadership positions throughout the years. Additionally, he served many years as part of the Honor Guard attending various parades and funeral services throughout the area. His service to the VFW culminated being selected as, Veteran of the Year, in 2010. He also enjoyed hunting in his younger days as well as reading, watching westerns and mowing his lawn. Most of all, Bob loved and cherished spending time with his family. 

Surviving in addition to his wife are three children: Bernard J. Hess, of Benton, Sue Ellen Elliott (David), of Benton, and Jeffrey T. Hess (Lonna), of Orangeville; six grandchildren Sherry Farver (Dusty), Brian Elliott (Brenda), Cassie Lovelace (Mark), Jeremy Hess (Lynn), Nevin Hess (Marisa), Kristen Overdorf (Douglas); 12 great-grandchildren Brandy Farver (Ryan Steinruck), D.J. Farver, Raina, Cora, Myra, and Sean Elliott, Alexa, Alayna, and Isabelle Lovelace, Madisyn and Evangeline Hess, and Benjamin Overdorf; a great-great granddaughter Mia Steinruck; a brother Gale E. Hess (Jacqueline), of Benton; two sisters Gloria Y. Harvey (James E.), of Benton and Charlotte E. Assalone (Ralph), of Salisbury, MD; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters Josephine K. Houck (John) and Louise Marie Hess.

A graveside service to honor the life of Bob will be held at 1 PM on Friday, November 20th at Benton Cemetery with full military honors. (The family requests that everyone please wear a mask.)  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the Waller United Methodist Church, the Waller Memorial Hall or the Benton V. F. W.  

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc. of Benton, is honored to serve the Hess Family.  For online condolences or for additional information, please visit:  www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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