November 29, 1927 ~ August 27, 2017
James Paul Hess, of Caldwell, Kansas, passed away on August 27, 2017 at the age of 89. Paul was the seventh child born to James George and Leona Hess on November 29, 1927 in rural Corbin, Kansas. Paul attended a one-room schoolhouse down the road from his family farm and attended Caldwell High School. Paul would tell about how his father came and picked up the children from the schoolhouse one day during the dust bowl. Paul married his high school sweetheart, Carol Hoyt, on February 2, 1951.
Although Paul was disqualified for the draft into the U.S. Army for WWII, due to a previous farm accident that affected his right hand, he was drafted into the Korean Conflict as a sniper in the 179th Regiment Infantry, 45th Division in 1950. On January 17, 1952 while on a night patrol preparing for an ambush, a member of the infantry triggered a landmine, wounding all in the party. While seriously wounded in the abdomen and legs, Corporal James P. Hess crawled his way over frozen, mine-covered ground to a field telephone and called for urgent medical assistance. Paul was recognized and honored for his heroism and devotion to duty as a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Award. After a lengthy stay at army hospitals in Japan and Denver, Colorado, he returned home to his bride, Carol.
Once home, Paul continued to help his father, George Hess, operate the family farm outside of Corbin. In 1960 the Hess family moved to their farm in the South Haven, Kansas area. Carol and Paul were members of the South Haven United Methodist Church. During his entire life Paul raised livestock, grew a variety of crops and during retirement continued assisting his son Don with the family farm.
The couple retired from farming in 1994 and moved to their current home in Caldwell, Kansas. The Corzine Cemetery was a vital part of the Hess family. It is a family tradition to be home for the Memorial Day services, decorating the graves and reminiscing about our loved ones who have passed on. Paul served on the cemetery board and performed many services during his life.
Paul and Carol were always present during children and grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. One family vacation Paul requested that the whole family ride the ducks in Branson, Missouri. This was extremely important to him because he had been on one during his time in the service and wanted the family to experience this too.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Glenn Hess; and five sisters, Ruth Baker, Ruby Conine, Hazel Hall, Eva Steed and Georgia Kasper.
Survivors include: his wife Carol of 66 years, Five children: Paula Fast and Kelvin, Yukon, Oklahoma; Donald Hess and Katrena, South Haven, Kansas; Dale Hess and Lisa, McKinney, Texas; Terry Hess and Kim, Overland Park, Kansas; Connie Nuse and Derald, Rose Hill, Kansas. Ten Grandchildren: Kurt Fast and Fran, Ponca City, Oklahoma; Paul Fast and fiancé, Sherri Lohmann of Enid, Oklahoma, Robyn Bebie and Richard of Neosho, Missouri; Nicholas Hess of Pittsburg, Kansas; John Riding of Reseda, California; Nathan, Christopher and Emily Hess of Overland Park, Kansas; Austin and Dalton Nuse of Rose Hill, Kansas. Nine Great grandchildren: Jared and fiancé, Jori McPeak, Tyler and Justin Fast of Ponca City, Oklahoma; Ethan and Riley Fast of Enid, Oklahoma; Kayla, Brenden, Eric and Clara Bebie of Neosho, Missouri.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Corzine Cemetery, Corbin, KS.
Memorials may be given to the Corzine Cemetery or to Rivercross Hospice and mailed or left with the mortuary.
To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit www.schaeffermortuary.info
Arrangements by Schaeffer Mortuary, 6 N. Main, Caldwell, Kansas.
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Carol, Paula and family
Becky Kelley - 08/30/2017
Thinking of all of you and lifting you up in prayer. Paula, I have,wonderful memories of your family. Hugs
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Rest James, until you hear at
Harry Simpson - 08/30/2017
Rest James, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
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CAROL we will miss waving at
louise mcgregor - 08/31/2017
CAROL we will miss waving at you and paul on our walk... hope you are doing better.. louise
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