David Lee Hess, 76, of Elkhart, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was born in Redlands, CA on March 4, 1947, to the late Paul and Edith (Hubbard) Hess.

David is also preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Hess. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Phyllis Hess; daughter, Candy Hess; step daughter, Ivonne (Myron) Miller; step son, Cesar (Amy) Sheen; sister, Patty Lovell; grandchildren, Shane and Kristan; step grandchildren, Cesar Sheen Jr., Tyler Sheen, Trent Culler, Lucas Miller, Tristian Sheen, Abby Sheen, Josie Miller, Morgan, and Keaton; great grandchildren, Rowen, Aleeyah, Alana, Aubrey, Cesara, Briella, and Chloe.

David served proudly in the United States Navy for eight and a half years as an Aircraft mechanic. He would later go on to marry Phyllis in California on August 31, 1985. David worked for Plumrose in the maintenance department and worked for Goodyear as the Service Manager. Also, for 18 years David and Phyllis drove truck (long distance), as a team.

David was a kind and intelligent person who enjoyed reading his westerns by Louis L'Amour in his spare time. In his younger years, he also enjoyed dirt bike riding, fishing, boating, skeet shooting, camping, horseback riding, and country line dancing; most of which he did alongside his wife and step kids. David was an avid motorcycle rider and rode for the American Legion Riders of Middlebury, Post 210, where he was also a member.

In accordance with David's wishes, cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. He will be laid to rest on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E 38th St. Marion, IN 46953.