Maynard Hess

March 14, 1932 - March 6, 2014
Maynard Hess

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Maynard F. Hess, Jr. 81, of Hampstead, NC died with his family at his side Thursday March 6, 2014 at Davis Wellness Center in Wilmington.

Maynard was born in New York City March 14, 1932 the son of the late Maynard F. and Mildred Hansen Hess. He was raised in Woodbridge, NJ, where his high school yearbook referred to him as “a man with a way of his own”. He spent two years in Korea during the Korean War and was influenced greatly by a former teacher who sent him letters, books and playing cards. After his discharge, he took advantage of the GI Bill and went to Trenton State College where he majored in Geography – History. He liked to brag that the boy – girl ratio there was 1 to 7 and he had a great time until he met Ellie Lucaire, his soon-to-be wife of 55 years. Maynard had a 30 year career teaching seventh graders in Fords, NJ while he and Ellie raised their sons Kurt William and Kris Read in Basking Ridge, NJ. In 1997 they moved to Hampstead where they built a home and made new friends, In his spare time he loved reading, bowling, music golf, puttering in the garage and yard, and watching cowboy and war movies.

Besides his wife and sons he leaves behind his beloved daughters-in-law Sally Ganter Hess and Barbara Taylor Hess, and their children Maxwell, Olivia and Madeline of Hampstead, and Cameron and Brooklyn Hess of Whitehouse Station, NJ, and brother Richard G. Hess and wife Diane of Crest Hill, IL., along with Many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Tuesday March 11, 2014 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Pender County Animal Shelter 803 S. Walker Street Burgaw, NC 28425.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • March 08, 2014
    Janet & Jack Keppler says:
    Ellie, Kurt, and Kris............and all the rest of the family too, Please accept our sympathy on the passing of Maynard. We all have so many fun and good memories of the times we spent together in Basking Ridge as well as in NC. We have been through happy and sad times together. Please know that we are thinking of all of you at this sad time.

  • March 08, 2014
    Bradley Norris says:
    Kris,Kurt and Mrs. Hess, Sorry to hear of your loss. Hearing the news brought back some great memories of growing up in Basking Ridge. We have all moved on, but the Hess family was a huge part of our lives and will not be forgotten. Sincerely, Brad, Kristina, Brayden, Brianna, Dalton Norris

  • March 08, 2014
    PAUL & LEE LAUSTSEN says:
    Our deepest sympathies to Ellie and the family on the loss of Maynard. We keep you in our prayers during the days that come, and offer our assistance to you in any way needed.

  • March 07, 2014
    Lewise Lucaire says:
    We will bring our love and caring with us for the funeral on Tuesday. Maynard was the best brother-in-law anyone could have. So loving, so caring and so steady and true. Maynard always knew what was right and his loyalty could always be counted on. We will all miss him so much. Much love to you all.

  • March 07, 2014
    The Smiths says:
    Kurt, Sally, Max, Livy and Maddy We are so sorry for your loss. Hold tight to one another and the beautiful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tammy, Joe, Reaghan, Madison and Joseph