Cleon Hess

Cleon Ray Hess returned to heaven to dance with his forever sweetheart Millie. November 29, 2022, at the age of 83.

Cleon was born October 7, 1939 “But that’s just hear say. My dad told me. I can’t remember it. But I remember the Doctor slapping me for no good reason” in Malad, Idaho. Cleon was the oldest son of Ray Leonard Hess and Mildred Nellie Robbins.

Cleon grew up in Holbrook, Idaho on his father’s Ranch. He attended school and spent the winters in Malad, Idaho. After his graduation from Malad High School he attended Utah State and served a mission in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Mission. Where he met a ‘really cute, spunky gal’ Mildred ‘Millie’ Marie Payte. They were married on September 27, 1963, in the Logan Utah temple.

Cleon was rejected from the draft because he messed up his knee in high school football. He told me, “I wasn’t given a 4F, I was given a different rating which meant that women and children would be drafted before me.’

As a Mechanic by trade dad helped farmers keep their tractors and other equipment working, while working a full time job at:  Law’s Dodge, Sugar Factory, Cookware Sales, eventually he retired from Thiokol.

Cleon and Millie raised their 6 children in East Garland.  In his spare time, he taught his children to break and ride horses, milk goats, butcher chickens, haul hay, cut wood, repair cars, and many other important life skills.

He loved to sing and could play almost any instrument. He played the trumpet, violin, saxophone, guitar, clarinet, drums, flute and more. If he saw it, he wanted to learn how to make music with it. He has spent the last few years mastering the TV remote, the computer (You Tube), and coloring pages; usually all at once.  

Cleon is survived by his children: JoAnn Morgan (Kelly) Sullivan, ViOma (Brent) Anderson, Fredrick Hess (Cami Wines), Nathen (Julie) Hess. 9 Grandchildren, 9 great Grandchildren. 10 Bonus Grandchildren. 2 bonus Great Grands.  2 Brothers. 4 Brother in-laws: Many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by His Spouse: Millie, His sons: Russell and Ray Hess. 1 grandson, 1 bonus granddaughter. Parents: Ray and Mildred Hess. Sister Joyce. Brothers Eldon, David, and Kay Lynn.

Graveside Service will be Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Noon at the East Garland Cemetery.

Special thanks go to Rocky Mountain Home Health’s Great team.  We won’t try to name names we don’t want to miss anyone; he and we love you all. The family would also like to extend thanks to the staff at McKay Dee Hospital in the ICU and IMC departments for the great care and friendship dad received.

The Hampton Ford Ward compassionate service; and Rudd Funeral Home for their patience and understanding.