Mr. Dennis Michael Hess, Sr., resident of Fair Oaks, Arkansas, departed this life on Sunday, May 12, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 71. Dennis was born at the Peterson Clinic in Wynne, Arkansas, on Sept. 7, 1952, the son of Henry George and Alma Mary (Schilly) Hess.
Dennis was a 1971 graduate of Wynne High School, and he and Bonnie (Smith) Hess were united in marriage on Oct. 16, 1971. He served in the United States Army National Guard for a time and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wynne. He owned and operated H & S Irrigation for nearly 50 years until recently when his health no longer allowed him to. Dennis had a tremendous work ethic, and he did his best to provide a suitable life for his family, even working through illnesses that would have kept a weaker man at home. Family and friends were at the top of Dennis’s list outside work. He loved to visit with them at his shop, and he enjoyed every moment of life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. As a boy, Dennis loved to play in the dirt with tractors, and he remained that same boy at heart throughout the entirety of his life. Dennis lived life to the fullest each day, and he will be forever remembered and loved by his family and a lifetime of great friends.
Mr. Hess was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Lawrence, Thomas Earl, Donald, Frankie, Teddy, and Harry Hess; and a sister, Helen Hess.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Bonnie Hess of the home; two children, Amy Ball (Bo) of Wynne, and Denny Hess (Jamie) of Wynne; a brother, James Hess; four sisters, Theresa Gunderman, Rose Mary Gill, Linda Banton, and Peg Hess; five grandchildren, Dr. Kami Ball-Tran (Ronald), Clay Ball (Sara), Tyler Ball, Nichole Hess, and Garrett Ball (Katy); five great-grandchildren, Steven Hernandez, Grayson Hess, Allie Ball, Ella Hess, and Juniper Ball; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Rosary service will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Wynne, followed by visitation until Mass at 2 p.m. with Fr. John Wakube officiating. Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery near Fair Oaks.
The family will receive friends following the committal service until 6 p.m. at the H & S Irrigation shop.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Clay Ball, Tyler Ball, Garrett Ball, Ronald Tran, Jeff Ball, Tommy Nation, Matt Proctor, Dustin Banton, and Grayson Hess. Honorary pallbearers are Bo Flowers, Dan Norviel, Bud Alberson, and Simple Dixon.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 517, Wynne, AR 72396, or Johnson Cemetery, 10 CR 160, Hickory Ridge, AR 72347.
Arrangements by Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home of Wynne.
