John Carl Hess, Jr.
John Carl Hess, Jr., of League City, passed away early morning on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home in League City, Texas, at the age of 89. He was born on November 3, 1936, in New Albany, Indiana, to John Carl Hess, Sr. and Margarette W. Hess.
John was a man of many hobbies. These included water skiing, roller skating, and hunting. His real passion was flying. As a Colonel in the the Commemorative Air Force, he was involved in and flew in many airshows across the United States, piloting a variety of World War II-era aircraft. This passion also carried over into his career as a flight instructor, and he retired from Flight Safety, where he taught corporate pilots. Upon retirement, his hobbies shifted from flying to becoming a news aficionado.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Carl Hess, Sr. and Margarette W. Hess; and his siblings, Theresa Sue Stengel, Timothy Clark Hess, Theodore Hess, Michael W. Hess, Anthony Thomas Hess, and Christopher J. Hess.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Diane B. Hess.
He is also survived by his children: Henry A. Flores; Tricia D. Lopez and husband Ryan; Thomas Hess and Lori Hearn; James Hess and wife Patricia; John W. Hess; Tamara Bell; John Mark Hess; and Jason Hess.
He leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: Xander Lopez, Gracie Hearn, Victoria Hess, Jayde Hess, and Kimberly Hess, as well as numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John is also survived by his sister, Mary Beth Hess-Wallace and husband Michael Wallace; along with his nephew, Christopher Hess, and many other beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 E Main St., League City, TX 77573.
The funeral service and burial will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7801 Gulf Fwy, Dickinson, TX 77539.
Memorial contributions or flowers may be sent to Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7801 Gulf Fwy, Dickinson, TX 77539.
Jay lefted alot of good memories,he was a great brother in law and uncle in our lifetime, he will be miss,my condolences to his family
Diane I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great man and I met him years ago thru Marybeth in Brownsville. May he rest in eternal peace and I pray that God give you strength and peace as you go thru this journey. Good Bless you.
My big brother John(Jay) was a wonderful man that loved and watched over his 5 brothers and 2 sisters. He was always there for his mom. He loved to fly and had joined the Air Force, I was two and my mom said cried for two weeks.
May He rest in beloved peace. And know that he will be truly missed.
Love you forever big bro.