Obituary of Reverend Donald R. Hess

Rev. Donald R. Hess The Reverend Donald R. Hess, 77, Millcreek Twp., went to be with his beloved Savior on December 22, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born in Erie on May 27, 1939, the adopted son of the late Richard A. Hess and Gladys Niles Hess Hoganson Pundt. He graduated from Academy H.S. in 1957. Don was one of the first Little League umpires in the country. He served in the Naval Reserve from 1956-1962 and was honorably discharged. He was employed at several banks and brokerage houses while living in New York City. He went to City College of N.Y, N.Y. University, the American Institute of Banking. In 1963 he met his wonderful wife Ursula, and they were married in Aug., 1964. Their oldest son was born in 1965, their second son was born in April, 1976 and in 1972 the family moved to Erie. Don served ten years on the Board of the Erie District Bowling Association, several years on the Board of the Eagle’s Club. He coached a number of years in MYAA baseball, winning several championships. Heeding God’s call to ministry, he attended the Certified Lay Institute being licensed a Baptist Minister in 1998. He served for 23 years on the Board of American Baptist Men, ten years on the American Baptist Churches Executive Board, and six years on Camp Judson Board. He was named Layman of the year in 1995 and loved serving his Savior. He pastored four churches in CT and Erie. He was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church. In 2001 he retired from the Sate of PA, after 29 years. He loved sports; especially his Indians, and was better known for his sense of humor everywhere he went. He had a great love for his dogs. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Ursula W. Hess, son Stephen Hess (Rebecca), four grandchildren: Daniel, Michael, Ryan, and Emely all of Erie, son Jeffrey Hess of Frederick, MD, two brothers Leo W, Hoganson, Lawrence M. Hoganson (Diane) of Erie, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited there on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. for the Funeral Service. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 9012 West 28th Street, PO Box 3934, Erie, PA 16508.