Garth Winfield Hess

Garth graduated from Grove City College in Grove City, PA. Upon his graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the USAF and his first assignment was Pilot Training at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. He flew and was an instructor in both the KC-135 at Plattsburg AFB, NY and the RC-47 at Ton Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam.

Garth retired after 31 years from Curtze Food Service in Erie, PA, where he was General Manager. Upon retirement, time was spent with family in Beavercreek, OH and his home in Palican Preserve in Ft. Myers, FL, where he continued his passion for golf and sunshine. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis, a form of muscular dystrophy and in 2018 was forced to give up golf.

Garth was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jone Nares of Williamsburg, VA. He shared a very special bond with his mother and father-in-law, Ruth and Bob Mills of Beavercreek, OH and with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, as well as very good friends, Marcy and Bob Mills of Beavercreek, OH.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Connie. He was extremely proud of his sons Kevin (Julie) and Tim of Beavercreek, and the fine men they have become. Some of his fondest memories were of coaching them and watching them play baseball, watching them on the swim team, on the basketball court and time spent with them on the golf course. Julie became the daughter he never had and was his support and cheerleader in the last 16 months he spent at Trinity at Beavercreek. His granddaughters, Alyson and Katelyn were the apples of his eye, and he so loved being their Papa and reveling in all their accomplishments.

In addition, Garth is survived by his brother-in-law Bill Nares of Williamsburg, VA, and sister-in-law, Barbara Cherry Mills of Beavercreek, OH. He was blessed by 3 nieces, Nichole Ross (Billy) and their son Matthew of Columbus, OH, Janel Barnett (Jerad) and their children, Ally, Evan and Carly, and Melissa Spencer (Gavin) and their sons Owen, Mason, and Camden, all of Beavercreek.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Greggory Volk and Sara Hicks and staff at Internal Medicine Care, the caregivers and staff at Trinity Community at Beavercreek as well as the caregivers and staff from Vitas Hospice in Dayton.

Garth was very proud of his military service and will be buried at the VA National Cemetery in Dayton, OH at a private ceremony with family. Donations can be made to Trinity of Beavercreek and Vitas Hospice in Dayton.

Services are in the care of Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek.