Carlton B. Hess

Carlton Bernard Hess, 88, of West Creek Road, Benton, died early Sunday morning, November 20th, 2011 at the Orangeville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he had been a guest since Wednesday. He had been seriously ill for the past six weeks. Born January 13, 1923 in Waller, Jackson Township, he was a son of the late Wilson J. Hess, who died August 2, 1962 and Emma Irene (Fritz) Hess, who died March 29, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Margaretta O. "Maggie" (Evans) Hess, of 56 years, on September 25, 2008. Mr. Hess was a 1941 graduate of Benton High School and then went to work for the Berwick American Car and Foundry in Berwick for a short time. On January 9th, 1943, he entered the U. S. Army, earning the rank of Corporal in the Headquarters Battery 224th Field Artillery Battalion, the 29th Infantry Division. He survived the D-Day Invasion of Normandy/Omaha Beach and then went on to the Elbe River. On the 50th anniversary of D-Day, he and his wife went back to mark the occasion. He was a decorated World War II Veteran and had been awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the EAME Theater Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and one bronze Sv Arrowhead. Upon his discharge from the U. S. Army, he was employed for a short time in Michigan in the auto industry and later for Berwick Forge and Fabricating, The Whittaker Corporation and then in Charleston WV for a freight car company. He also was engaged in farming for most of his life and retired in 1986. He was a 72 year member of the Waller United Methodist Church, a member of the Millville American Legion, a charter member of the Benton V. F. W. and the 29th Division Association. He had also served on the board for the Waller Memorial Hall Association. Surviving, are his brother, Donald G. Hess and his wife, Jean, of Benton; a sister, Ruth Ann Allegar and her husband, William, of Waller; several nieces and nephews and 2 sister-in-laws: Sally Seibert and Delilah Kocher, both of Benton. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Sheldon E. Hess, Gunnery Sergeant, Retired, U.S.M.C., on May 22, 2008; and a nephew, Dale R. Hess on March 22, 1989. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at 2 PM at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton (Rt. 487) with Rev. Calvin Miller and Rev. William Lukesh, officiating. Burial will be in the Waller Cemetery with full military honors. A viewing will be held Wednesday from 1 PM until the time of the Service at McMichael’s.

Carlton B. Hess

January 13, 1923 - November 20, 2011