Walter A. Hess

OAKWOOD: Walter A. Hess, 86 of Oakwood passed away July 10, 2014 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Born November 15, 1927 in rural Collison, Illinois, he was the son of Roma A. and Cloie (Stuckey) Hess. He married Lois Pauline Watson on October 16, 1945 in Danville. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2007. Walter served his country with honor in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his time in the military, he was an Assistant Manager for Southern States Co-Op, which is now Muncie Seed Corn Plant in Muncie. When Walter was younger, he got his pilots license and loved flying small airplanes. He was a member of Oakwood Christian Church and a lifetime member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge. Walter enjoyed woodworking in his spare time, and reading. He was a diehard NASCAR fan and loved playing euchre at the Fithian Community Center. Walter is survived by two sons, Dennis L. Hess of Lake Placid, Florida and Gary L. (Linda) Hess of Danville; one daughter, Kathy L. (Bruce) Ross of Danville; five grandchildren, Sherri, Kimberlee, Toni, Chad and Clay; two step grandchildren, Brittany and Emily; ten great grandchildren; and two step great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Lillian, Mae and Alberta; three brothers, Wilbur, Arthur and Emerson; and daughter in law, Winnie Hess. A service to celebrate Walters life will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 14th at Sunsets Oakwood Chapel, A Life Celebration Home in Oakwood with Walters grandson, Clay Hess, officiating. Burial will follow in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday July 13th at the funeral home. Memorials have been established for Oakwood Christian Church and Oakwood Library. Please join Walters family in sharing memories, photos and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.