Clair L. "Bill" Hess

Clair L. "Bill" Hess, 90, passed from his earthly life to life eternal August 29, 2025, after a brief illness. Born in Pottstown, PA to Lester C. Hess and Mary A. Ness, his early childhood was spent at Glatfelter Station, PA. Bill moved to Winterstown at the young age of six and lived there his entire life.

He was active in his church and community, serving in the North Hopewell- Winterstown Volunteer Fire Company as treasurer for thirty-two years. Bill and his wife were Youth Advisors for four years at Winterstown United Methodist Church, and he also served as a trustee.

His happy days were spent playing baseball for the Susquehanna League, first playing at Winterstown, then Felton, and back to Winterstown to end his career. His main position was center field. He was inducted into the Susquehanna Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Bill's father founded the factory Superior Mold Builders, later Key Plastics, in Winterstown, and Bill worked there his entire life. He graduated from Atreus Wanner trade school and climbed the ladder from toolmaker to design engineer. Bill retired from Key Plastics in 2000 after forty nine years.

Many of his happiest days were spent at Camp Antlers, his hunting camp in Centre County. He enjoyed deer hunting and working on camp improvements. In his retirement years, he and his wife spent hours biking on mountain dirt roads or on the local rail trails.

He took delight in attending his children's sporting events from his daughter's softball and basketball games to his sons' baseball games and tennis matches. There were also many piano recitals.

When the snow covered the ground, the entire family enjoyed snowmobiling. In the 70s and 80s, he bowled in a church bowling league. After retirement, he enjoyed golf and pursued his interest in woodworking.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Ella Jane Warner Hess, a daughter Janene Petrie and husband Karl of Waynesboro, son Darren L. Hess of North Wales, and son Dr. Nathan Hess of Erie, and a grandson Joel Horne of Hummelstown, also two sisters Joyce Pennewill of Shrewsbury, and Linda Keperling of Gaithersburg, MD. He was preceded in death by a grandson Joshua D. Horne and a sister Dorothy Faye LeGrand.

A viewing for Bill will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Winterstown United Methodist Church, 12184 Winterstown Road, Felton, with the Rev. Rebecca McGee officiating. Burial will follow in Winterstown Evangelical Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Winterstown United Methodist Church, 12184 Winterstown Road, Felton, PA 17322.