Reverend Charles Hess

Reverend Charles F. Hess Sr., 88, formerly of Mifflinville, peacefully went to Jesus, Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Balanced Care Bloomsburg, where he was a resident. Born June 9, 1925 in Allenport, PA., he was the son of the late Samuel W. and Naomi (Smith) Hess. A graduate of Mt. Union High School, Rev. Hess enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served for over seven years in both the European and Pacific Theaters during WWII. After completing his enlistment, he began working at the Home-Taste Baking Company in Mt. Union, where he soon became a supervisor. During this time he felt God calling him to the ministry, relocating his family to Nyack, N. Y. to begin studies at the CMA School. Rev. Hess continued his studies at Western Maryland College and Southern Methodist University. He served for over 50 years as an ordained minister in the former Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church before retiring in 1992 from the Lime Ridge and Fowlersville charge. Rev. Hess was very active in the communities in which he served. He was involved with the Boy Scouts, local fire and ambulance services, the Rotary Club, the Mifflinville Water Board, the Berwick Salvation Army, where he was a board member, he was also Past Master of Cromwell Lodge, of Free and Accepted Masons. In 1974 he served as a chaplain in the Pennsylvania Senate. Playing golf and pinochle were among his favorite pastimes. Rev. Hess was a kind and loving man who always had time for family, friends, and anyone who needed someone to love them. Surviving Rev. Hess are two daughters: Bonnie Traher and her husband, Lynn of Nanticoke and Pastor Susan Knorr and her husband, Edward of Bloomsburg, three sons: Kenneth Hess and his wife, Nancy of VA., John Hess and his wife, Connie of Nescopeck, and Richard Hess and his wife, Beth of N.M., and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of over sixty-two years, the former Lillian G. White, daughter, Linda, son, Charles, Jr., sisters: Margaret, Grace, and Patricia, and brothers: Kenneth and Donald. Visitations are 6-8 PM Friday, May 9 and 10-11 AM Saturday, May 10 at the Lime Ridge United Methodist Church. His funeral is 11 AM Saturday, May 10 at the church. Reverend Doctor Thomas L. Salsgiver will serve as the officient. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will provide flowers, donations in Rev Hess's memory can be sent to the Salvation Army, 32 West 2nd Street, Berwick, PA. 18603.