Clarence K. Hess Jr.
Enjoyed restoring antique farm tractors
Clarence K. Hess Jr., 82, of Beallsville, died Thursday, August 29, 2013, in his home.
He was born August 18, 1931, in Beallsville, a son of the late Clarence King and Elizabeth Barnard Hess.
Mr. Hess was a 1949 graduate of Centerville High School and received an associate’s degree in Tool and Die Design from the Western Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 in the Signal Corps.
Mr. Hess was employed as a design draftsman for McGraw Edison Co. in Canonsburg, later known as Cooper Industries, where he received a patent for developing a Power Tap Changer. He retired in 1993 after 30 years of service.
Prior to entering the Army, he worked with his parents to establish the first commercial chicken hatchery in the area. It was known as Sunbeam Hatchery. The farm later became a sheep farm that Mr. Hess continued to operate until his death.
He enjoyed restoring antique farm tractors and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Mr. Hess was a Purple Martin landlord and was a member of the Purple Martin Association. Also, he was a member of Beallsville United Methodist Church, Deemston Grange 1372, National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Association and the John Deere Two Cylinder Club. He was a sheep leader of the Pike Run 4H and past director of the Washington Co. Sheep and Wool Growers Association. In addition, Mr. Hess was a drummer for the former Bentleyville Fireman’s Band and participated in the 1960 Orange Bowl Parade in Florida. He was a member of Beallsville Lodge 237 Free and Accepted Masons.
On July 29, 1961, he married Dolores J. Vranges, who survives. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are four children, Susan Nickler (Mark) of Beallsville, Todd I. Hess of Beallsville, Dianne Dish (Steve) of Moon Township and Scott M. Hess (Kathy) of Beallsville; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Andrew, Jennie, Luke, Hannah, Sarah and Levi; and two nephews, Craig and Curt Carlson.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a sister, Mary Harriett Carlson.
Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 2, with Pastor James Markley officiating. Interment will be in Beallsville Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Hancock-McCure-Horne American Legion Post 705, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Association, Box 181, 255 Conti Road, Brownsville, PA 15417. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.