Joe D Hess

Joe Hess passed away on January 8, 2026, in Abilene. He was born April 25, 1933, in Peabody, Kansas, to Edward LeRoy Hess and Freda Mae (Dohner) Hess. Joe grew up in the Peabody community and attended Peabody High School.

Joe served in the Kansas National Guard for 3 years, at which point he then joined the United States Army and was stationed in Japan for 18 months during the Korean war. He returned to Kansas in December 1953. On July 27, 1956, he was united in marriage to Laverna (Vernie) Madsen, in Peabody. They eventually settled in Abilene where Joe worked for the City of Abilene until his retirement in 1997.

Survivors include one son; Andy (Jennifer) of Abilene, three daughters; Brenda (Amr) Mohamed of Bullhead City Arizona, Cheri Hess of Tazwell Virgina, Julie (Randy) Rowe of Salina, son-in-law Peter Johnson of Abilene, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and two sisters; Florence and Pat of Benton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vernie, his parents, his daughter Rhonda, two brothers; Jim and Don and two sisters; Jeri and Mary.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home.