Obituary: John Knox Hess

John Knox Hess, of Sarasota and formerly of Ohio, died June 12. He was 93.

Mr. Hess was born Jan. 6, 1919, in Giard, Ohio, to the Rev. Charles Bentley Hess and Zulu Eloise Knox Hess. He attended the College of Wooster, in Ohio, and then seminary at Boston University in preparation for a career following in his father’s footsteps.

He served as associate pastor at Epworth-Euclid Church, in Cleveland, then as senior pastor at Garfield Memorial, in Pepper Pike, Ohio; Grace Church, in Coshocton, Ohio; First Church, in Poland, Ohio; and First Church, in Akron, Ohio. Mr. Hess also served as district superintendent of the Mount Vernon District.

Before retiring, he and his wife, Ruth, traveled throughout the country assisting local churches with fundraising campaigns. He and his wife moved in 1981 to Sarasota and became members of the Sarasota First United Methodist Church. They have lived at Plymouth Harbor since 1994.

Mr. Hess was a devoted husband, a natural organizer and administrator and had a good sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth; daughters, Carol, Cathy, Cinda, Janet and Claire; son, Charles; 17 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, June 19, at Plymouth Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Sarasota, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, Fla., 34235, and designated either to the Peace with Justice Program or to the First United Methodist Church Music Program, or to the charitable organization of your choice.