Kenneth R. Hess, Sr. 93, of So. Charleston, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday April 1, 2015 at home.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Edward and Etha Lee Hess, brothers, Freddie, James, Charles, and Eugene.
He was a retired millwright from Union Carbide Tech Center with 30 years of service. He was part of the Greatest Generation, and a WWII Army veteran with the 95th Infantry Division, known as the “Iron Men of Metz” where he earned three Bronze Stars. He also was a member of the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768 and he was awarded the Legion D’Honneur, which was the highest French Decoration for the Liberation of France and Europe during World War II. He was a woodcrafting artist who enjoyed building swings, children’s rockers, birdhouses and other items for family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Hazel; son, Reed Hess (Vicki) of Alum Creek; daughter, Susan Conner (Jack) of Elk Hills; brothers, George Hess and Joe Hess all of South Charleston; grandchildren, Elizabeth Paige Hill (Rex), Eric and Stephanie Conner; and great-grandchildren, Serena and Hunter Hill.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Eric Mounts officiating. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes with military graveside rites.
Family and friends will gather from 6 to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Susan Cavender, Debbie Steffick, RN and to HospiceCare for their loving and gentle care for our loved one and the family during this time.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536 or The Bible Center Church, 100 Bible Center Dr., Charleston, WV 25314.