Charles C. Hess (76), beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed peacefully from this life on February 14, 2019. He was born to Quentin and Vonda Hess on January 18, 1943. Chuck grew up milking cows on the family dairy farm in Fielding, UT.
He left home in 1963 to serve a mission in the Los Angeles California Mission. Upon returning home, he studied life sciences at Utah State earning a bachelor’s degree in zoology; he would go on to complete his master’s in history and international relations during his military service. After graduation, Chuck was drafted to serve in Vietnam.
He opted to join the United States Air Force as an officer and was enlisted on February 7, 1969. Following officer training school, he met and married the love of his life, Marlean Lavon Neville, on November 8, 1969 in the Oakland California Temple for time and all eternity. Chucks military service would take them to Shreveport, Louisiana; Minot, North Dakota; Bozeman, Montana; and Burkburnett, Texas.
Following retirement, they settled in Merced, California which they called home for many years. In 2012, they moved to West Point, Utah to be closer to their family. Chucks military career was exemplary and distinguished.
He spent much of his time as a navigator in the B52 bomber flying missions all over the world. He would command the ROTC group at Montana State which was recognized as the number one corps in the nation during his tenure. He retired on September 30, 1993 as Lieutenant Colonel serving as the inspector general at Sheppard AFB.
His awards and commendations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars to name a few. He served in the Vietnam War spending over 600 days in Guam and Thailand flying 94 combat missions. He also served in support of Operation Desert Storm.
Following his military service, Chuck taught college math at Merced Community College. Chuck loved the Lord and humbly spent his life in His service. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
His church callings included Bishop, Branch President for the Merced Hmong Branch, several bishoprics, high council, and many other callings. He was an avid gardener and loved his orange, cherry, and peach trees in California. He loved fishing and passed that love onto his children and grandchildren.
He also had a large seashell collection of which many he found while snorkeling along the shores of Guam during his Vietnam service. Chuck is survived by his wife Marlean, his children Jason Hess, Darren (Julie) Hess, Warren (Hillary) Hess, Brandon (Calli) Hess, Ryan Hess, Nathan (Megan) Hess, and Shelley (Alan) Johnson. Chuck and Marlean have 26 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM in the West Point Chapel 4383 W 300 N, West Point, UT, 84015. A viewing will be held the evening before from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and the morning of the funeral from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.
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