Stephen Eugene Hess, 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 22, 2026, at IU Ball Memorial Hospital.  Stephen was born on August 15, 1944, the son of John L. and Audrey L. (Brewer) Hess, in Muncie, Indiana.

Following graduation from Muncie Central, Stephen proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He later went to work and eventually retired from the Chevrolet factory in Muncie.

He loved spending time working with wood, doing carpentry projects at home, and built a railroad crossing sign, complete with flashing lights, for his wife Sherri to display in their backyard.  He also loved to ride his Harley, play guitar, sing, and do puzzles.  He was a very intelligent man who could sometimes be a little ornery.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 321 in Yorktown, Indiana.

He is survived by his wife, Sherri Hess, and a son, Kevin Hess (Tammy); step-daughters, Jasmin Gamez and Logan Perez; sisters, Barbara Pitman (Jerry), Margie McCord, Marilyn Stephens (John), Becky Gray, and a brother, Steve Lucas; brother-in-law, Raymond Souza, and sister-in-law, Debra Conn.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kasey Hess, Mandi Newton, Danielle Danimyzia, and Deven Gamez, and several great-grandchildren, as well as his lifelong friend, Chuck Cooper.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date