Edwin C. Hess

Edwin C. Hess, affectionately known as Eddie, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime filled with service, craftsmanship, humor, adventure, and unwavering devotion to those he loved most. He was born in the hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, on April 29, 1945. Ed graced this world with his presence for 81 remarkable years.

Born to Cecil Edwin Hess and Catherine Daisy Woolf Hess, Edwin grew up with a deep appreciation for family, nature, and the outdoors. As a young man, he became a proud Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, demonstrating the integrity, resilience, and resourcefulness that would define his life. Some of this fondest childhood memories were traveling with his parents to Caneda, where they enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing together, and later having fishing adventures with his family including unforgettable “midnight fishing” excursions that created a special bond with Karena and Michael. Ed’s devotion to family was evident in his role as a father and coach. He coached his son Michael in baseball, forging a lasting connection through sport and song, as they enjoyed singing together. Family trips to state parks and leisurely boat rides on Truman Lake enriched their time together. Throughout his life, his home was also graced by the companionship of three beloved dogs- Cookie, Tanner, and Tarree- each a beloved member of the Hess family.

Eddie served honorable in the United States Air Force as a medic from 1955 to 1969. His exceptional commitment during his service earned him the flight medic medal, a testament to his skill and compassion in the line of duty. Following his military service, he dedicated over five decades to his trade as a bricklayer, foreman, and cement mason with Local 518 Union, earning the respect of colleagues and peers alike for his work ethic and mastery.

After the Air Force he began a new chapter in his life and moved to Pennsylvania with his friend Mike. While working as a bricklayer, he met his future wife, Christine K. Homsey in Pennsylvania where their connection was immediate and deep. After dating two years, Ed proposed to Christina on New Years Eve. One weekend in April he announced to her they would be purchasing a marriage license. In one of the families’ stories, Ed became so nervous at the marriage bureau that he stated his birthdate as July 4. Edwin and Christina were married April 14, 1972, and built a life together around love, family, and loyalty.

Edwin was a man of remarkable talent and humble spirit. Long before modern technology became commonplace, he worked as a computer programmer for IBM when computers were the size of entire rooms. He was also an incredible artist, a gifted builder who could read and draft up schematics and plans, and someone who could fix, create, or improve nearly anything he put his hands on. He dedicated 50 years of service as a proud union member of Local 518. Edwin will be missed dearly by not only his family, but other lives that he touched.