Clarence A. Hess

Clarence A. Hess

Clarence "Clary" A. Hess, age 93, late of Lockport passed away peacefully on Christmas, December 25, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Niles Center, IL, raised in Dyersville/ Cedar Rapids, Iowa and living in Lockport since 1954. Employed by American Airlines from 1951-1981, he was forced into retirement by Federal Regulations in 1981. A very proud Veteran of the South Pacific Theatre in World War II and in Korea, he survived a mid-air collision and being shot down. Charter member of (AOPA) Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, long standing affiliation with Lewis University, Wings of Hope, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and United Flying Octogenarians (UFO). He was a Captain with American Airlines before and after the Wars until 1981. Inducted into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008, his experience operating aircraft was extensive and noteworthy.

He was creative, an enthusiastic and fearless communicator. He was relentless in promoting participation in the aircraft industry. Aquainted with many of that era, starting with race pilots of 1930 events in Chicago. Clancy was community minded. His life was an active adventure with anyone and everyone since he was very young. His children and most others must have been affected by his alternative but traditional perspective. But most of all he was a very loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and dear friend to many.

Preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna (Endre) Hess; one brother, Peter Hess; one sister, Margaret More and a sister in infancy.

Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Kathleen (Curley) Hess; six children, Kathy (Larry Knipper) Kallai of Joliet, John Hess of Lockport, Bob Hess of Mesa, AZ., Greg Hess of Joliet, Jim (Nicole) Hess of Joliet, Sue (Steve) Miller of Batavia; seven loving grandchildren, Maggie (Mike) Martin, Thomas (Lindsey) Kallai, Mia and Charlie Hess, Dan Miller, Jessy (Tom) DeLine and Julie Miller; four adored great grandchildren, Ian and Camden Martin, Molly Kallai, Haleigh DeLine; loving son-in-law Tom Kallai. Numerous nephews, nieces and many dear friends also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lewis Universities Aviation Program, EAA or Wings of Hope would be appreciated.

Services will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2014, 9:30 a.m. in the O'Neil Funeral Home chapel 1105 E. 9th (159th)St., Lockport to St. Joseph Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Per Clarence's wishes Cremation Rites will be respectfully addressed following Mass of Christian Burial.

Visitation Monday at O'Neil Funeral Home, December 29, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.