Ralph Walter ‘Walt’ Hess
Ralph Walter ‘Walt’ Hess died at home on October 212, 2011 ending a 12-year battle with three major cancers.
Walt was born in Uniontown, Pa. on January 4, 1946, the son of Ralph W. and Irene Hess.
He graduated from Uniontown Senior High School in 1964 and left for the Marines the next day. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he worked for Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, N.Y., then moved back to the Uniontown area where he worked as a carpenter and cabinetmaker for over 40 years.
Walt had a passion for woodworking, an uncommon skill for building and was recognized as a master craftsman. He had an incredible work ethic, which continued during his years of sickness. He set high standards for himself and those around him. Walt just loved to work and always looked forward to the next day to get started again!
The story of his last twelve years is one of many miracles and grace. Walt’s life was a testimony of quiet trust and faith in God. The impact of his life will go on in the lives of his huge fan club.
Walt was much more than his illness; he was a man of integrity, intelligence and quick wit. He was a storehouse of knowledge, had a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. He loved life and embraced each day. He seemed to have an unlimited source of strength. He was the rock of his family and a superb grandfather.
He is survived by his wife Madline (Fike) Hess of Markleysburg, Pa.; sons: Matthew Hess of McMinnville, Ore., Wayne Hess and wife Tabitha of Markleysburg, Brian Hess and wife Amy of Bruceton Mills, W.Va and grandchildren: Alisha, Lyndsi, Wyatt, Jewell, Cole, Allee, Zoie and Brier.
Walt is also survived by his mother Irene Barber Hess; his sister Nancy Douglass and her husband Kenneth and special niece Melanie Douglass, all of Morgantown, W.Va.
The family thanks his Pastor Dale Rexrode and friends from the United Mountain Christian Fellowship Church as well as the other mountain area churches.
They also thank the countless individuals who participated in his treatment and care through the years, especially the staff at UPMC Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., the nursing and hospice staffs of Amedisys (Albert Gallatin) and his family doctor Sean Conley, M.D. of Uniontown.
Our never-ending gratitude and deepest respect go to Dr. A. James Moser, M.D. of UPMC, Pittsburgh, an extraordinary physician and friend who has walked along with us on this journey. His skill and compassion are unequalled.
Friends will be received in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, Rt. 40, Farmington, Pa. today (Wednesday) from 3 to 8 p.m. Visitation continues on Thursday in NEW LIFE COVENANT CHURCH, Rt. 40 Markleys-burg from 2 to 3 p.m., the Hour of the Service with Rev. Dale Rexrode officiating.
AMVETS Post No. 103 Hopwood will hold Military Services at the Church.
It was Walt’s fervent wish that friends would honor him not with flowers, but with contributions to Dr. Moser’s pancreas cancer research. Donations should be sent to Walt Hess Memorial Fund
% Kenneth Douglas,
205 Poplar Drive,
Morgantown, WV 26505