Mr. Melvin E. Hess Jr.

Mr. Melvin E. Hess (Mel) was born on January 2, 1941 in Paxton, Illinois. He was the son of Melvin Edgerton and Pauline Mae Hess. Melvin grew up in La Grange, Kentucky before eventually moving to San Diego, Ca. He served a short time in the Army as a cook, and was happy doing so. He was medically discharged from his service in 1961, to which he wasn’t too thrilled, but still very proud of what he did.

On September 2, 1959 Mel exchanged wedding vows with his beloved Rebecca L. (Fraley), whom preceded him in death, in La Grange, Kentucky. Mel and Rebecca were blessed with four children; three daughters, La Donna Kay, Robyn Renea and Paula Lee, and one son, Guy Franklin (Frank). Another blessing for Mel was the gift of seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mel was a mechanic by trade. Although retired, he still liked to have projects going, whether it was auto related tinkering or work around his house. He loved to cook, especially on the bar-b-que. His other passions were being part of a racecar pit crew at Cajon Speedway, going to the river and taking his children to the desert.

Mel passed away on July 12th, 2015 at his home in Spring Valley, Ca. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his daughters LaDonna Reid and Paula Hess; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and his younger sister Sandi (Gary). He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years (at the time of her death) Rebecca, daughter Robyn Porter and son Frank Hess. Services will be held on July 27, 2015 at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, Mel was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Mel leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. Melvin E. Hess.