Dean A. Hess, a sinner saved by grace, graduated to glory on June 7, 2020. He was 83 years old.
His retirement years were spent in southern Arizona with his wife, Mary, after having lived most of his life in Bellefontaine.
He was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on March 25, 1937, to the late Kenneth Ivan and Sadie VanArsdale Hess. He was preceded in death by a sister, Merla Mae Ries; brother, Delmar G. Hess and son-in-law Phil Eggett.
In 1955, he married Eleanor Abraham and their children are Mark G (Carol) Hess, Douglas A. (Donna) Hess and Rebecca L. Eggett. He married Mary K. Schaefer Bow on January 30 1982. Step children are Amy D. (J. Gregory) Smith and William K. (Carrie) Bow. There are a total of 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren..
Other survivors include sister-in-law Dorthy Hess, and Leo and Garnett Beagle. He deeply valued and loved his friends, especially the Wisdoms Gang, Ed, Ed, Terry, Kevin and Craig, Jim, and Steve.
He graduated with the Bellefontaine High School class of 1955 and attended Columbus Business College. He retired from International Truck and Engine Company in 2003 after 37 years, where he served as a nationally registered first responder. He also ran a painting business for many years. He enjoyed playing golf and softball.
Community service was his calling. He coached football, basketball, baseball and softball teams. He served on the Bellefontaine City School Board and the Ohio HI-Point Board of Education for a total of 19 years. In retirement, he worked many volunteer hours overseeing common areas of his neighborhood in Green Valley while serving on the HOA Board.
His greatest joy in laters years was service to the Lord and fellowship at both the Gretna Brethren Church in Logan County, and Evangelical Free Church in Green Valley, Ariz. He chaired two building projects at Gretna and prepared meals at Crossroads Mission in Nogales, Ariz.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Board of EFCGV, 1393 W Mission Twin Buttes Rd., Green Valley AZ 45622, or Gretna Brethren Church, 1564 Twp. Rd. 46 S., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.