William Joseph Hess

William Joseph Hess, age 59 of Hardinsburg KY, received his angel wings on Sunday, December 16. He was surrounded by the loving care of his family in his home. As Joe was a true believer, we know his last breath on earth was rewarded with everlasting life with God. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Hess, of 38 years. Three blessings of this union, his children, Kerri Futrell (Dean) of Hazel KY, William Grant Hess of Louisville KY, and Veronica Hess of Bowling Green KY, also survive. Two grandchildren, Beau and Cecilia Futrell also survive. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Gilbert And Bonnie Livers Hess, his maternal grandparents, Charles and Martha Livers, his paternal grandparents, and one sister Thedy Sue Cook. 

Joe is also survived by five sisters, Sharon Henning (Mike) and Kammon Eckert of Hardinsburg KY, Loretta Hatfield of Vine Grove KY, Cara Richardson (Dale) of Hawesville KY, Marla Basham (BJ) of Big Spring KY. Two uncles Ted Livers, Eddie Hess survive along with one aunt, Mary McCellow, survive. 

There will be a celebration of his “It’s a wonderful Life” on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at St. Romuald Catholic Church at 11 AM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at Trent-Dowell Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 3-8PM and Thursday after 8 AM.

Expressions of sympathy are suggested to St. Romuald Church Radio Ministry, St. Romuald School or Pocket Full of Hope.

Most know Joe as everyone’s DJ, the music man. If you ever attended one of his events, you know how truly delightful it was. His skills also include, reciting every word from any FRIENDS episode, dancing and singing, a chicken enthusiast, a life long stand up comedian and most importantly, a loving husband, father and Pop Pops.

His life can be measured as illustrated by his favorite film, It’s a Wonderful Life. He quite frequently quoted the line “No man is a failure if he has friends.” It is by this measure, that, in his life he achieved an unprecedented amount of success. Also quoted in the film, “every time a bell rings an angel gets it’s wings.” Joe was happy to gain his wings as the church bells rang out from St Romuald Catholic Church shortly before his last earthly breath. 

Joe never met a stranger and possessed an innate ability to make each person feel valued and important. He gave without caution, loved without reservation, and laughed without restraint. Joe is etched in the minds of many as a beautiful soul, creative mind and lover of all things. 

In his last hour as the church bells rang and his rooster crowed, God took Joe’s hand and made it clear he had fulfilled every earthly task. 

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