Kenneth Wilson Hess

He was born on April 7, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Paul M. Hess and Thelma T. Hess. Kenneth devoted his life to family, work, and the community. He will be remembered for his goodness and kindness, strong work ethic, and sense of humor.

Family and friends meant the world to Kenneth. He will be greatly missed by his children, for whom he sacrificed much. He instilled in them a strong work ethic and sense of determination and taught them how to overcome obstacles to achieve their own dreams.

He is survived by his eldest daughter, Karol Chambers, her husband, Paul, and their son, Jake; his daughter, Kimberly Evans-Dietrich, her husband, Al Dietrich, and her children, Charles Evans and Kathryn Evans; and his son, Keith Hess, and Keith’s son, Kohen Hess. He is also survived by his three sisters, Martha, Diana, and Janet, and his two brothers, Joe and Leonard. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul M. Hess; his mother, Thelma T. Hess; and his eldest brother, PJ Hess.

Kenneth served the Jacksonville community for many years through the Riverside Masonic Lodge No. 266, where he was honored as Worshipful Master in 1994. When he was not growing his business, Commercial Sheet Metal Systems, or serving the community, Kenneth greatly enjoyed his home life. At his home on Powell Place in Jacksonville, he enjoyed beautiful views of the St. Johns River and lively gatherings. At his home on Lake Edge Trail in Pomona Park, the pace was a little slower, and he took great pride in his large, beautifully maintained yard. He was supported by his church family at Riverside Park United Methodist Church in Jacksonville and later at Christ Independent Methodist Church in Palatka.

Kenneth will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.