Gene passed from this life on December 2nd after a brief illness. He was lovingly surrounded by his family during the last days of his life. Gene was born in Fort Madison, Iowa on July 12, 1934 but has been a resident of Barstow and Yermo, California for close to 70 years.
After graduating from Barstow high school he entered the U.S. Navy where he served for four years. In 1961 Gene married his sweetheart, Diane Fahey Hess, they have enjoyed a blessed marriage for 58 years. An electrician, he spent his professional career working for the Sante Fe Railroad, Goldstone Tracking Station and U.S. Marine Corp Logistics Base in Barstow, California.
After retiring, Gene and Diane moved to Calico Lake where they have shared so many special memories with their family and wonderful lake friends and neighbors.
Gene,"Geno" to those who really knew him, was an avid sportsman who enjoyed motorcycle riding, water skiing, deer hunting and most recently found great joy as crew chief for Mad Mouse racing. Nothing gave him greater joy than to share these activities with his family and friends.
Gene is survived by his wife Diane, two sons, Steve (Dawn) and Ron (Lisa), 10 grandchildren Steven Hess, Bethany Hess Spiotta, Amberly Hess Tracy, Curtis Hess, Nathan Hess, Chase Hess, Steele Hess, Tabetha Charest (Matt), Amanda Charest and Erica Charest Quiroz (Samuel), and 3 Great-grandchildren, Liv Tracy, Charlie Tracy and Laird Brogan. Gene also leaves two brothers, Jim Hess (Carole) and Bob Hess. There are countless close and special relatives including his sisters-in laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews that he had close and cherished bonds with.
Gene made an impression on so many for his enthusiastic love for life, fun and mischief. He was known for his entertaining stories, which he loved to repeat often. He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important- the simplicity of living life with those you love.
There will be a celebration of life for Gene at the Hess residence at Calico Lake in Yermo, CA on Saturday December 7th at 1pm.
Burial and military honors will be graveside and Barstow Cemetery on Friday December 13th at 1pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.meadcares.com for the Hess family.
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