Rev. Ben Hess, 76, of Crystal City died July 8, 2025, at his home. The Rev. Hess retired from the ministry in 2019. Along with his family, he lived and served in Kenya, Africa, from 1982 to 1993. Returning to the U.S., he pastored at First Baptist Church of Herculaneum/Pevely from 1994 until 2003. Additionally, he served the Missouri Baptist Convention, training and mentoring church planters statewide until 2019. He loved fishing, eating ice cream, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams, spending time with his family, making connections with others and sharing God’s word. Born May 31, 1949, in Kansas City, he was the son of the late Melba June (Parker) and David Austin Hess.
He is survived by his wife: Linda Jane (Brown) Hess; daughter: Carrie (Jeff) Rhodes of Hurst, Texas; three sons: James David Hess of Jackson, Andrew Hess of Crystal City and Peter Hess of Crystal City; a step-granddaughter: Zoe Rhodes; and a sister: Linda June (Bill) Davis of Independence.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until funeral services at noon Friday, July 11, at Faith Baptist Church in Festus, officiated by Pastors Matt Culbertson and Kenney Sims. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA, or the Building Fund of Faith Baptist Church, 11835 County Road CC, Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.