William M. "Bill" Hess

1928 - 2017

William M. "Bill" Hess

Funeral services for William M. 'Bill' Hess will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at 1:00 pm at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Monroe, LA with Rev. Keith Garvin officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2017, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm and a Vigil Wake Service at 6:00pm at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe LA.

Bill passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. He was born on April 28, 1928 in Garden City, Long Island New York. Bill was a United States Army veteran serving at the end of WWII.

Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia Ann (Monahan) Hess who passed away on December 27, 2016. They were married for 63 wonderful years. Also, his father W. M. Hess, Sr. who passed on March 11, 1928 before Bill was born. Also, mother Mary Margaret (Fellowes, Hess) MacStoker who passed away on November 29, 1993. Bill's mother remarried Francis Joseph MacStoker who passed in 1958. .

Bill is survived by his children: son, William Francis Hess and his wife Julie Anne Brodrick-Hess; daughter, Barbara Lynn (Hess) Elias and husband Louis Ab Elias; and daughter, Martha Elizabeth Hess; his three granddaughters, Sophie Adele Elias, Bergin Elaine Elias and Mary Patrice Elias; his sister, Mary Tereasa (MacStoker) Vaeth, her daughter, Nancy (Vaeth) DuBroff and husband Duncan DuBroff; and his brother, Robert MacStoker.

In 1950 Bill joined the research staff at the Columbian Chemicals Company and worked under the direction of W. A. Ladd until 1955 when he became the manager of Columbian Physics Laboratory. In 1961 he was promoted to Senior Scientist. He retired from Columbian in 1987 and went on as a consultant until he passed away.

Bill moved to Monroe, LA with his family in 1980 when the Columbian Carbon Company moved their research laboratory to Swartz, LA.

Over his career Bill authored and co-authored over 90 Publications and presented 91 Papers across the USA, Europe and Japan. Bill was awarded 7 Best Paper Awards and 3 Honorable Mentions, a world record still held today. He also received the ' Award for Technical Excellence' from the American Chemical Society 1985, the 'Gold Medal' from the Plastics and Rubber Institute 1978 and the 'Honoris Causa' Doctorate from the University De Haute-Alsace in Mulhouse France in 2000. For his outstanding scientific achievements William M. Hess has acquired an international status and the worldwide recognition of the scientific community.

Bill was a deeply religious person. Roman Catholic since birth. He rejoiced with Jesus in everything he did. His thoughtfulness, kindness and compassion was felt by all the family and many members of the community. In 1988 Bill was called and consulted with a group of scientists on their work of Radiocarbon 14 dating of the Shroud of Turin. He was truly humbled. It meant so much to him.

Bill's greatest joy was his family. Always available he was loving, supportive and a brilliant problem solver. He was forever the most positive guy in the room and never had anything bad to say about anyone.

Bill was one of the early volunteers at the 'Saint Vincent DePaul Pharmacy' in Monroe where he spent hours every week working with Nancy Pierron, Joanne Crone, John Biglane and many, many more. SVDP Pharmacy has and continues to provide desperately needed medication to countless sick people who can't afford it. For all the volunteers it is a labor of love to this day.

A keen bridge player he was in three clubs at one time. Bill was a major sports fan. Earlier in life he was an avid bowler. He enjoyed skiing with his daughters. He loved his New York Giants. He was in Arny's army and lately rooted for Jorden Spieth. Recently Barbara's husband Louis got him following the Houston Astros even attending a few games. He played golf, tennis and in the old days softball. A fierce competitor with a heart of gold.

Bill was a happy man with many plans. He will be forever loved and missed.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home

Sterlington Road

Monroe, LA