Gilbert Hess

CARTERVILLE, Ill. -- Gilbert "Gib" Hess, 88, of Carterville died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County.

He was born March 14, 1916, in Grassy Township, Ill., son of Hiram Gorton and Effie Thomas Hess. He and Clara Clendenin were married in 1940 at Charleston, Mo. She preceded him in death in 1944. He then married Janis Ross May 12, 1945, in Herrin, Ill. She preceded him in death in 1995.

Gilbert worked for Cox's Saw Mill more than 20 years, at Tuck Tape in Carbondale, Ill., more than 10 years, and retired as a laborer from the forestry service. He was the last surviving charter member of the Pentecostal Faith Assembly in Crainville, Ill., now known as the Fountain of Life Tabernacle.

He was a volunteer at Carterville and Herrin Senior Citizens. He was an avid Cardinals fan and enjoyed playing dominoes.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Darla and David Smith of Carterville; three sons and daughters-in-law, James and Jacqueline Hess of Cambria, Ill., Randy and Angie Hess of Carterville, David and Cindy Hess of Cape Girardeau; nine grandchildren, Jessica Budd of Glen Carbon, Ill., Bruce Grissom of Southern Illinois, Joshawa Hess of Zeigler, Ill., Treva Hess of Cambria, Ashley Hess and Ferrol Hess of Carterville, Mason Hess and Abigail Hess of Cape Girardeau, Eric Keibler of North Carolina; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two wives, Clara and Janis; two daughters, Wanda Sue Hess and Jolene Grissom; six brothers; and five sisters.

Friends may call at Riggin-Pillatsch Funeral Home in Carterville after 6 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Fountain of Life Tabernacle Church, with the Rev. Bob Wynn and the Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville.