William “Bill” Norman Hess

William Norman “Bill” Hess, died June 8, 2006. He was 83 years old.

Mr. Hess was born May 23, 1923, in St. Louis, Mo. He was the first child of William Norman Julius and Beulah Pearl Simpson Hess.

He spent his formative years in St. Louis. He attended Webster Groves High School until 1941.

During World War II he served in the 387th Field Artillery Battalion, 104th Infantry Division, seeing action in France, Holland and Germany. He returned to the U.S. in June 1945, married his high school sweetheart and was discharged from the Army in 1945.

His war experience gave him a focus on life. He completed his high school studies and graduated from technical colleges.

He was employed for 30 years as a television technician with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). Bill was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Number 1, and held the position of shop steward.

Mr. Hess retired from RCA in 1983 and began an active retired life. He moved to the Ozark Mountain town of Shell Knob, Missouri, where he lived and played for 20 years.

In January 2003 he moved to the Vashon Community Care Center, spending his remaining years amusing, and being amused.

Friends and family recall him as a loving husband, wise father, indulgent grandfather and generous friend.

His hobbies and interests centered on youth and water. He held several adult leadership positions in the St. Louis Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, including Scoutmaster, Explorer Post Adviser, Area Commissioner and Merit Badge Counselor.

He also loved fishing and boating. He was active in the Shell Knob branch of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, holding several leadership positions there.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty Jane Fyffe, sister Betty Lee Duffy, son Dennis Hess, daughter-in-law Lori, grandson Brian, granddaughter Robin, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and is fondly remembered by all who knew him.