Thomas David Hess

Thomas David Hess passed away on December 15, 2025.

Tom was born on July 28, 1938, to Tennyson Harold Hess and Marjorie Jacqueline (McCoy) Hess, and grew up in Akron, OH. He graduated from Central High School in 1956 and served his country in the U.S. Army. He met his wife of 65 years, June, in Louisville, KY, and the couple moved to Lexington, KY, where they raised their family and lived until 2023, when they moved to Searcy, AR.

Tom was a devout Christian and active in the Southside Church of Christ in Lexington, where he served as a deacon, and thereafter in the Versailles Church of Christ. A generous supporter of Christian charities and his church, Tom was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

An avid sports fan, Tom closely followed University of Kentucky teams and his childhood favorite, The Ohio State Buckeyes football team. Tom was a diehard Kentucky football and basketball fan and was a member of the 101 Club for many years, working home games at Commonwealth Stadium and Rupp Arena. As an adult, he became a passionate auto racing fan and attended 42 Indianapolis 500 races, and in his later years closely followed NASCAR and his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon.

Tom is survived by his wife, June; daughter Pam Eads (Kevin) and son Hal Hess (Jodi); five grandchildren, Samantha, Lydia, Sophia, Emery and Lila; three great grandchildren, Griffen, Ricky and Allie; sister Toni Bruce; half-siblings Sieglinde Freed and Alan Freed; niece Kim Bruce; and nephew Robert Bruce.

At the family's request, there will not be a public service. Tom's remains will be buried at the Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, KY. A celebration of Tom's life will be held in the Spring of 2026 at the Versailles Church of Christ in Versailles, KY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local church or to the Versailles Church of Christ.

Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net