Emory DeWayne Hess

Emory DeWayne Hess was born in Chula Vista, California on Tuesday, May the 27th, 1947. He left us peacefully on March 30th, 2024 at his home in Washington, Utah.

DeWayne was affectionately called Papa De by his grandchildren. He was proud to be called a child of God, husband of 59 years, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and patriot.

He has said, "My paramount feeling is that I am not afraid to die. I'm just returning home to my ancestors who I and my children have done work for. I have a deep  sense of gratitude that my love, Joan and I, have been sealed to each other and our daughters. Our temple marriage was the most important accomplishment."

Some of his heroes were his grandparents who raised him from the age of five. His grandma Versa Opal Hess, who taught him how to count in the Cherokee language and to pray. His grandpa Bob Martin, who taught him woodcraft, hunting and fishing and also saved him from drowning when he was 11, and of course... John Wayne.

Papa De would always answer the call of his family to "tell me a story when you were young." Often starting with "My first hunting trip was when I was three months old, grandpa Bob cut two holes in the bottom of a backpack, stuck me in it and off we went."

He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 as an aviation electronics technician and also worked as an anti-submarine warfare specialist, metal mechanic, personnel-man, and journalist. Specialized as a Human Resources Management Specialist in the areas of race relations and large systems development and management. Dewayne was the Chief Administrator of a five state recruiting district. He was the first to earn 10 and then 20 consecutive excellence in recruiting awards. He toured through four Vietnam campaigns and retired as a decorated Senior Chief Journalist from the Navy after 23 years.

DeWayne and Joan were entrepreneurs and started up several successful businesses on Whidley Island. They traveled the US, Canada and Mexico for five years. During which time they would try to do something that was different from anything they had done before. They were trainers for Disney World. They worked as Recreation Directors at Yosemite. DeWayne managed a large resort in Bend, Oregon and Leavenworth, Washington.

They were both successful Real Estate brokers in Washington State before retiring here to Washington, Utah. DeWayne loved working and doing everything together with his love, his friends, his lifelong companion, his cherished Joby. He always had words of encouragement of, "You can do anything you set your mind to." or "Go for it!" He never backed off from a challenge.

DeWayne and Joan were the first members of the family to convert to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Now there are over 63 members of the family. Many have gone on missions. DeWayne has served the Lord in many callings at Ward and Stake levels. DeWayne and Joan successfully served a service mission from October 30, 2013 to April 30, 2015.

DeWayne is survived by his loving wife Joan, Daughters; Valora Ann Otis, DeAnn Michelle Jeppson, Sheri Lynn Hedding, Sisters; Dawn, Irene and brothers; Robert, Tyler, Sammy, Danny and Freddy. 15 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren all who he loved fiercely and adored.

Memorial services for DeWayne will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 450 West 3650 South Washington, Utah 84780.

Following the services, an Inurnment service for DeWayne will be held at 11:30 am in the Tonaquint Cemetery. 1777 South Dixie Drive St. George, Utah 84770