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Dean HESS Obituary
News Death Notice
HESS, Dean E. Age 97, of Huber Heights, passed away Monday, March 2, 2015 at his residence. Dean was a retired Colonel from the U.S. Air Force, a teacher at Bethel High School, Pastor in the Disciples of Christ Church, Veteran of the Army Air Corp, flying over 60 missions in World War II. He was born in Marietta, OH and graduated from Marietta College, received his Masters from Ohio University and was working on his PhD from The Ohio State University when he was called back to active duty for the Korean War. The Air Force assigned Dean to begin training Korean pilots to fly combat. In addition to training pilots, he flew 250 combat missions and rescued over 1,000 orphans. His activities were documented in his autobiography "Battle Hymn", which was the basis for a motion picture of the same name. He gave all proceeds from the book and the movie to establish the Orphans Home of Korea. In 2005, Dean was enshrined on the Walk of Fame in the Wright-Dunbar historical district. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary C., parents, Lemuel and Florence; brothers, George and Thomas; and sister, Ethel Guilotta. Dean is survived by his daughter, Marilyn Hess of Greenville; sons and daughters-in-law, Lawrence & Susan Hess of Huber Heights, Edward Alan & Barbara Hess of Xenia, Ronald & Patricia Hess of Miamisburg; grandchildren, Robert, Jason, Laura, Jenny, Peter, Casey and Bradley; 10 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral service is at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Marker & Heller Funeral Home, Huber Heights Chapel, 5844 Old Troy Pike, the Reverend C. Larry Stiles officiating. Interment is at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m., Friday March 6. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to The Hospice of Dayton or the Air Force Museum Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dean HESS
Sponsored by Marker & Heller Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Huber Heights Chapel Huber Heights Chapel.
Patrick Dawson
May 27, 2017
Mr. Hess to me was one of the best may you rest in peace.
March 12, 2015
To The Family of Col. Dean Hess -
My name is Joe Durbin. I was stationed at Fuchu Air Station, Japan in the early 1960s. I knew Col. Hess and Larry, his son, at the time. I send my deepest sympathies. I am sorry for your family's loss.
Respectfully,
Joseph P. Durbin
708 Parkgrove Way
Lewis Center, OH 43035
(614) 425-5449
Sandy DuBon
March 9, 2015
Ed and family,
My deepest condolences upon the passing of your Father. May the Lord be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 8, 2015
Rest in peace. BEJ
Lesa Offill (Smith)
March 7, 2015
Mr Hess will be missed . He was loved and respected by so many of us from Bethel High School. Please look at the Bethel Alumni website as there are many more kind thoughts expressed of this wonderful man. Former Bethel Student.
Class of 71 Bethel Local High School
March 7, 2015
I saw him featured at the Wright-Patt air museum and was proud we had him as a teacher. A very humble, caring man.
He was a great man. I do have my autographed book, and have shared stories of him with my kids and grandkids. He will be missed. R.I.P. Mr. Hess as you fly your last mission with the wings you so deserve.
I can't remember when he didn't have a smile on his face. He is a kind man.
He flew a lot of missions. Surely during two wars some of those missions were dangerous. It is amazing he never told any war stories that I know of - I don't even think he mentioned Battle Hymn. He also apparently turned the other cheek to the criticism. What a great example that survives his body's death.
I, too, wish I had paid more attention in class. But like so many veterans, I don't believe he talked much about his service. He made a big difference in my life as I am sure he did in so many others. RIP.
I think he always had a simile on his face and he listened to you.
He was one of the greatest! I'll never forget him!
He was a 'one of a kind'; teacher and man. He will be missed. RIP Col.Hess!
March 6, 2015
Hess family, sorry for your loss.
Scott Wright
Blue Knights, OHXXIX
Well Done SIR and Semper Fidelis
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
RIP
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
Retired
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
Lt.Col.
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
ONE of "THE"
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
Training Korean pilots/ Then flew 250 Missions
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
USAF
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
63 Combat Missions-Europe
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
AAC
Herb USMC
March 6, 2015
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
March 6, 2015
God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today. Thank YOU for your service,also in Korea,Lt.Col.Hess.
Semper Fidelis SIR.
Bill Knisley
March 6, 2015
I was very fortunate to have had Mr. Hess as a history teacher at Bethel. To say he made an indelible impression would be an understatement. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. I was thrilled to be able to spend some time with him again at the Reel Stuff film festival in 2008. Still the same wonderful man! I understand a 6146th F-51 has flown through the Pearly Gates. Check gear down and locked, Colonel. Well done. Welcome home.
March 6, 2015
Dear Larry, Sue, and Hess Family,
It was an honor to know Dean, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love.
Rob and Kathy Moffat
Scott Chamberland
March 6, 2015
Rest in Peace
Connie Myers Snyder
March 6, 2015
Esther Hess was my 7h grade teacher in Bainbridge OH 1956-57, the year the movie Battle Hymn was made. She told the class the story of her nephew's life and let us know the pride and love she felt for him. Esther greatly influenced my life. As an adult I read Battle Hymn. What a wonder ful family you have had. May you comfort one another with this loss.
March 6, 2015
Ed, I am sorry to hear about your dad. I never knew he was so famous. I enjoyed reading the article about him. He was truly a hero. You should be very proud of him as I know you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lois Brant
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
March 5, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Richard Brown
March 5, 2015
Thank you, Mr. Hess, for selecting me to attend the Tipp City Rotary Club Luncheon when you were my history teacher at Bethel High School. I read the book, "Battle Hymn" and think of you often. May you find peace in heaven.
Annette (Hanson) Brown
March 5, 2015
Mr. Hess was my favorite teacher at Bethel High School. He encouraged me to think for myself at a time when that wasn't the social norm. I'm forever grateful for his kindness and understanding. I can see him looking down on us from heaven with his ever-present pipe in his hand. R.I.P Mr. Hess
Tom and Wilma Nicholas
March 5, 2015
Ron and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!
Tom and Wilma Nicholas
March 5, 2015
i have fond memories of Col. Hess at the US Naval Academy in 1953. He was unbelievably respected by the Midshipmen and I had numerous conversation with Col. Hess in the summer of 1953 after my graduation that year.
I know what a loss this is for all of the family members and please accept my condolences.
Jack Amendt '53 USNA
Brian Halk
March 5, 2015
R.I.P. Colonel. Thank you for your extraordinary service.
Michael Phare
March 5, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Charles Webster
March 5, 2015
Ron:
It is difficult for me to find the proper words to say how sorry I am for your loss.
Your dad was an inspiration to me, and the world.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Charlie Webster
Leesburg Florida
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Marker & Heller Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Huber Heights Chapel5844 Old Troy Pike, Dayton, OH 45424
Mar
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Marker & Heller Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Huber Heights Chapel5844 Old Troy Pike, Dayton, OH 45424
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Marker & Heller Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Huber Heights Chapel5844 Old Troy Pike, Dayton, OH 45424
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