Kenneth Robert Hess

Kenneth Robert Hess, 59, died July 26, 2019 from gastric cancer. A beloved husband, father, brother, son, colleague and friend, Ken’s quick mind and love of math and science served him well. Dr. Hess received a Ph.D. in biometry from The University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston in 1992. He served on the faculty at MD Anderson Cancer Center since 1993, and with tenure since 1999, when he was promoted to Associate Professor. He was promoted to Professor of Biostatistics in 2008.

His valuable contributions to the field of statistics were recognized through the prestigious honor of his election as a Fellow of the American Statistical Association in 2017.

His peers appreciated him not only as a fiercely dedicated colleague but as a good-natured, helpful friend with a dry wit. Ken ended his days as an admired MD Anderson employee of twenty-six years.

Born January 4, 1960 in Corpus Christi, Texas to the late Joe and Jean (née Reising) Hess, Ken was the youngest of four. He is survived by his siblings Francis Michael Hess of Corpus Christi, Texas, Janet Schneider of Woodmere, New York and Mary Jo Lyons of Rockport, Texas.

Ken married Jill Erin Roper of Corpus Christi on September 14, 1985. Their wonderful thirty-four years of marriage were full of quirky humor and limitless love for each other and their daughters. Hannah (27) and Rachel (20) along with their mother remember him as a caring, patient father, with a sense of childlike mischief that encouraged his daughters’ creativity and curiosity.

Ken will be remembered for his love of fishing, his pet cats, and truly terrible puns. In addition to his phenomenal devotion to his family and his unwavering support of his loved ones, he will be remembered always for his brilliant mind and his dedication to his work.

It is a rare gift to have known someone as unique and wonderful as he. Ken Hess will be sorely missed and forever loved.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefunerals.com for the HESS family.