John M. Hess
John M. Hess, 93, rural Columbia City, died at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, where he was admitted on Monday.
He was born July 26, 1922, in Whitley County, a son of James H. and Ruth Alice (Gangwer) Hess. A native of Union Township, he graduated from Coesse High School.
On March 26, 1944, he entered the United States Army, receiving two bronze stars for his service during World War II. He was honorably discharged Dec. 25, 1945.
In July 1947, he married Viva Jeanette Conrad. From 1949 until 1954 they made their home in Thorncreek Township then returning to Union Township. Mrs. Hess died in August 1957.
On Aug. 23, 1958, he married Beatrice E. “Bea” Thoms. They made their home on East Hartman Road. Mrs. Hess died April 26, 2006.
A farmer and construction laborer, he worked for R.L. McCoy for 26 years, Hawk for 15 years, and Crown for over 10 years.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #98.
Surviving relatives include two daughters: Lynnette (Herb) Dunlap, Fort Wayne; and Connie (Mike) Sims, Columbia City; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother: Ralph Hess, Fairfield, Calif. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by a daughter: Sharon Lamle; two brothers: Carl Hess; and Burton “Bud” Hess; and a sister: Margaret Wilcoxson.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 27, at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City, with visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, June 27, at the church. Visitation will also be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
The burial will be in Union Township Cemetery with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
Preferred memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church Endowment Fund for Scholarships or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.