Jerry Nelson Hess

Jerry Nelson Hess of Sarasota died June 23, 2017 at Doctor's Hospital in Sarasota. He was born September 24, 1931 in Cedarvale, Kansas, the second son of James Nelson and Mary Elixabeth Burge Hess. Both of his parents and his older brother, Norman Burge (Bob) Hess, predeceased him in death. Jerry Hess graduated from Sedan (Kansas) High School and Kansas State University of Lawrence with a bachelor's degree and University of Missouri at Kansas City with a Master's degree. He served in the Navy from March 26, 1951 to February 8, 1955, including a stint aboard the USS Rochester. He married Barbara H. Neubauer on June 4, 1960. Following her death in 1994, he married Bertie Lee Ruth in 1998, who died in 2016. Jerry Hess served as an oral historian for President Harry S. Truman as well as the National Archives at Washington, DC. In addition to working with Truman, he was also instrumental in developing other presidential libraries. Following his retirement and move to Sarasota, Jerry Hess worked as a volunteer oral archivist for the Ringling Circus. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and held a life membership in the Scottish Rite Valley of Tampa. He was also a member of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Missouri. Jerry was a member of the Sons of the American revolution, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed his membership in the Shriners International and the Sahib Temple Chanters, a choral group who performed at several charity events. He was a member of the 1st Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was a member of the church choir. He especially enjoyed singing in the Living Christmas Tree for several years. Jerry and Bertie moved to Sunnyside in 2006 where they both were active in many activities. Jerry loved to walk and was known to pick up the newspapers and hand deliver them to the front porches of elderly neighbors as part of this early morning walks. Jerry also took great interest in the chapel at Sunnyside and demonstrated his love for the Lord and His house by creating beautiful music through the use of new hymnals which they helped provide. Survivors include three nieces: Kathreen Kay Young of Pearland, Texas, Elizabeth Ann Triplett of Culpeper, Virginia and Janet Lynn Hastings of Springfield, Virginia. Jerry was compassionate, caring, devoted to family, friends and different organizations. He was admired and loved by many of those whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 28th, 10:00am, at Sunnyside Village Chapel, 5201 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, Florida 34232.

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Jerry Nelson Hess

September 24, 1931 - June 23, 2017