Obituary of Gary William Hess
Gary William Hess, of Bedford, Texas, went to his heavenly home on Friday, November 2, 2018. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, son-in-law, brother, grandfather and friend to all that knew and loved him. Gary was born on January 2, 1943 in Phillips, Texas to Thurman and Loraine Hess and spent the entirety of his childhood living in the family home with brother Eddie and sister Thurmelda in Phillips and Dumas, TX. After graduating high school, Gary attended Lubbock Christian University where he met his bride and the love of his life, Evelyn Thomas Hess, to whom he was married for 55 years before his death. Gary and Evelyn proudly shared with the world two wonderful children, Shelli and Todd, with whom they experienced many wonderful adventures across the US. Gary and his dear friend, Scott Till, made over 30+ annual elk hunting trips to the mountains of Colorado, a trip Gary looked forward to and prepared for with excitement for weeks ahead of the departure. Gary always returned with exciting and amusing stories of their adventures. Gary also had a dear friend, Ladin Moore, who shared much of his life, although Gary always joked that his sister ‘stole’ him for her own when she married Ladin and made him Gary’s brother-in-law and family. Gary loved to cook and he cherished the time shared with daughter Shelli sharing recipes and their love of good food and fellowship. Gary was a life-long fisherman, especially enjoying his hobby when the lines were tight and his son, Todd, was by his side. Gary adored his grandsons and took great pleasure in spending time with his first and only great-grandson.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Thurman and Loraine Hess and his father-in-law, Paul Thomas. Gary is survived by his wife, Evelyn Hess of Bedford, TX; daughter, Shelli Mangum of Cypress, TX; son, Todd Hess [Lynn] of Atlantic, NC; sister, Thurmelda Moore (Ladin) of Amarillo, TX; brother, Eddy Hess (Cyndy) of Amarillo, TX; grandsons, Cody Mangum of Cypress, TX, Caiden Mangum of Cypress, TX, grandson; Tyler Hess of Elon, NC, great-grandson; Tripp Hess, mother-in-law, Louise Thomas of North Richland Hills, TX; brother-in-laws Patrick Thomas of Boston, MA and Jerry Thomas (Ronda) of Fort Worth, TX; and numerous nephews, nieces and grand nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 10:00am, at Forest Ridge Memorial Park Chapel 8525 Mid Cities Blvd. North Richland Hills, TX. 76182. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Boy’s Ranch of Amarillo, TX, or The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
