Gilbert R. Hess
Greenville Herald Banner
Monday, Nov 6, 2006
JOSEPHINE — The Honorable Gilbert R. Hess, the mayor of Josephine, passed away Saturday, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006, in Greenville. Mr. Hess was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1946, in Dallas; the son of Gilbert R. Hess II and Vivian Myrl Helms Hess.
Mr. Hess was a lifelong resident of Josephine; attending Community High School in Nevada. He attended East Texas State University, where he achieved both bachelors and masters degrees. After college, he married Linda Jane Smith of Farmersville.
Mr. Hess’ professional life was marked by community service. He served as a coach and teacher in the Community Independent School District and superintendent in the Lovejoy Independent School District.
More recently, he served as mayor of Josephine from 2004 until his death. As mayor, he was instrumental in the acquisition of a new water tower, reorganizing the fire department, assisting resident with obtaining government funds for construction of new homes, and in the organizing of community-building events such as the annual Fourth of July celebration and Christmas parade.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Rob, who lives in Rockwall with his wife Judy and their children Alexander and Julia-Claire, and Jon, who resides in Royse City with his wife Summer and their sons Brayden and Jaxon; and several cousins and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father and an infant daughter, Robin Lynn. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006, at the First Baptist Church of Josephine with Brant O’Connor and Mark Newsome officiating. Burial is in the Caddo Mills Cemetery in Caddo Mills.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hurst’s Fielder-Baker Funeral Home in Farmersville, which is in charge of the arrangements.
Submitted by Elaine Nall Bay
