Donald Lee Hess was born July 3, 1931 in Winona, Minnesota to parents, John Hess and Verna (McWain) Hess, and passed away Saturday, July 5, 2014 in Kingwood, Texas. He worked during his lifetime as a chemistry and science teacher at Rochester, Minnesota. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper. He achieved a degree in math along his journey from Texas A&M and owned a timber company in Wisconsin. Donald was sent to Africa for two years to help start a school in chemistry and continued to travel extensively all over the world. He was always a generous person, he continually donated to many organizations and individuals throughout his life time. He was cremated and his ashes were sent to Madison, Wisconsin for a full military service.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Joy Shepard Hess. He is survived by several cousins and many friends.