Send Condolences to the Hess Family
Claude Gordon Hess
Send Condolences to the
Hess Family
Claude Gordon “Gordy” Hess, age 78, of Worthington Dr., Bridgeport, passed away Friday morning, August 18, 2006, following an extended illness. He was born August 3, 1928 in Atlanta, Kansas, a son of the late Claude Hess and the late Myrtle Kittel Hess.
His wife of 35 years, Janet Ann Andrew Hess, whom he married August 21, 1971, survives him.
Additionally, he is survived by two sons, James Anthony Hess of Knoxville, TN and Brad Greathouse and his wife Karla of West Milford; a daughter Sharon Ann Ward and her husband Roger of West Milford; and two sisters Carol Gulley Grieves of Denver, CO and Jeanne Larson and her husband Reed of Williamsburg, VA. Fourteen grandchildren including Bradley Greathouse, Stephen Greathouse and his wife Arienne, Kari Greathouse, Andrea Lantz, Aaron Lantz, Gretchen Lantz, Madison Ward, Turner Ward, Brittney Ward, Meredith Ward, Caulen Ward, Kit Larson, Jeremiah “Jem” Larson and Bethany Larson; and one great-grandson, Dylan Andrew Greathouse, complete his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Ruby Hess, and two daughters Johanna Larson and Jana Lee Hess.
He was a member of the Bridgeport Church of Christ. Though he was baptized early in life in the Presbyterian Church, he recently felt the need to recommit his life to Christ and was again baptized by Evangelist John Board at the church.
Gordy had an extensive military background and was a proud veteran. Beginning in August of 1946, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served there until March of 1948. He entered the Air Force ROTC program in 1950 and completed training there in 1952. He continued his service with the Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He spent many of the next several years in the Army and Air Force Reserves, finally finishing with the rank of Captain.
Flying and anything related to aviation was one of the biggest parts of Gordy’s Life. He flew as a corporate pilot for Hillenbrand Industries and Westinghouse Corporation. He retired as a Captain / Pilot from the Flight Operations Department of Consolidated Natural Gas Transmission Corporation on August 1, 1988 after 21 years of service there.
He was a longtime member and one of the most respected senior pilots of the Civil Air Patrol in Bridgeport and was named West Virginia Senior Member of the Year in 1993. Gordy’s involvement stretched far beyond membership in the C.A.P. Several years ago when the expansion of the Harrison Marion Regional Airport was taking place, Gordy placed a large donation, one considered as seed money, for the construction of a new facility to house the C.A.P. Because of this, nearly all of the construction was completed solely by the C.A.P.’s membership. He was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association in Fairmont. He was also helpful in training and flying with other helicopter pilots.
When he wasn’t flying or at least talking about it, Gordy loved to read books, play cards and spend time with his family. He was also an avid tennis player and kept his grandchildren interested in the sport. Many mornings, you could find him at the Bridgeport Hardees with the rest of his “coffee crew,” where he will also be sorely missed.
Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home 607 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport from 2:00 - 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 20, 2006, where funeral services will be held at 10:00 Monday in the funeral home with Evangelist John Board presiding. Interment will follow in the West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown where Full Military Honors will be accorded at the graveside.
Members of the Clarksburg Squadron of the West Virginia Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard will stand guard at the casket during the evening visitation on Sunday in the funeral home.