Richard L. Hess, M.D. 79 years, of Bryan passed away peacefully, Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice Center, Defiance. Richard was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on December 12, 1940, to Paul R. and Carol L. (Swiger) Hess.
He graduated from Victory High School with the Class of 1959. Richard graduated from WVU in 1963 and WVU School of Medicine in 1967. An Internship was completed at Pontiac General Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, followed by entry into a Pediatric Residency Program at Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Hess, a veteran of the United States Navy from 1968 – 1978, served active duty as a LT. Commander in the U.S. Navy from 1969 – 1971.
He joined the Bryan Medical Group as a Pediatrician in October 1972, where he practiced for almost 30 years. During that time, he served on the Williams County Board of Health and on the Ohio Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Sports Medicine and Adolescence.
He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, an Eagle Scout and a Rotarian. He received the Paul Harris Fellowship award through Rotary International. He served the community of Bryan in many ways, one of which was serving as the BHS Football Team physician for over 20 years.
He was a youth baseball coach and served as president of the Bryan Little League. Rick was chairman of the 2004 United Way Fund Drive. He and his wife Charlene were named the Bryan Area Foundation Good Citizens of 2013.
Dr. Hess was a founding member of the Bryan Madrigal Chorale, a member of the Hillsdale Town & Country Barbershop Chorus, member of the former Orchard Hills Country Club and the Antique Art Glass Salt & Sugar Shaker Club.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Charlene Hess of Bryan, Ohio; two children, Alicia (Brent) Danforth of Westerville, Ohio and Stephen (Mindy) Hess of Bryan, Ohio; three grandchildren, Nicholas Danforth, Nathanael and Molly Hess.
A time of visitation will be held Sunday, August 16, 2020, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street, Bryan. Due to the ongoing pandemic the family asks those attending the visitation to wear a mask and observe social distancing. To honor Richard’s wishes there will be a memorial service held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan, Ohio. The family asks those remembering Richard to make memorial contributions to Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506.
Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com
3 Comments
Dr.Hess was amazing man, I loved our chit chats we had. He will be greatly missed
RIP Dr. Hess. What a wonderful man and Dr. you were and you will be truly missed! I loved babysitting Alicia and Stephen many, many years ago! They were such a joy! Charlene, you and DR. HESS created such a wonderful, loving home, and I remember all of you with much love! May God Bless each of you especially at this time.
Your old babysitter, Belinda (Batt) Taylor.
Dr. Hess will be always remembered ❤️ I have many memories working under his direction at the hospital in Bryan (Peds and OB) for most of the 90s. Prayers lifted for the family.