Lester Edward Hess

SGM Lester Edward Hess, 81, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2017. Lester was born in Ether, NC on September 10, 1936. He graduated from Star High School and immediately left to serve his country proudly in the United States Army. He returned 2 years later to marry high school sweetheart Gladys Ruth Nichols. Lester served in the Army for 32 years and then spent another 16 years working with the Air Defense Artillery (ADA Board). He loved to fish and be in the outdoors. He spent many an hour fishing at Snow Lake and in Ruidoso as well as Cape Hatteras NC. Since his retirement, some of his favorite moments were spent building his cabin in Ruidoso. Lester was preceded in death by his mother Hazel McBride. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years; Gladys Hess, daughters; Kim Russo of Arlington, Tx and Karen Krusinga (Jeff Krusinga) of Kalamazoo, MI. Grandchildren; Dylan Hess Russo, Kayla Krusinga and Samantha Krusinga. He also leaves behind two sisters Rusty Smithey, and Wanda McBride. Visitation will be held for Lester on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home – Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. Committal will be Friday, August 25, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or the El Maida Shrine of El Paso, Texas.