Henry Hoover Hesson

Henry H. Hesson, 94, of Rensselaer, IN, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023. Henry was born in Lesage, WV, on September 10, 1928, the son of John and Ruth Ann (Mobley) Hesson. Henry attended the West Virgina school system, most notably promoted from second grade to fourth grade and skipping the third grade. He married Bessie Louise Pack on January 25, 1957, in Huntington, WV, and she survives. Henry served in the US Army overseas in Europe and Germany. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God. Henry was a factory worker at the former Northway Products for over thirty years. He spent several years of his “retirement” working as a greeter at Walmart. Henry survived two battles with cancer and a heart attack. He was a storyteller to anyone who would listen. He had the gift of gab. He was a picker of the beloved banjo loaned to him by his nephew, Ricky. Anyone near him has heard his version of 9 mile and his childhood shenanigans. He was a bowman and a charter member of the Iroquois Archery Club. He was a wallpaper hanger using vintage tools of the trade. He was a house painter finishing many rooms for family and friends. He was a grandpa to thirteen kids, great grandpa to thirty-two kids, and great-great grandpa to five kids and one on the way, all of whom experienced the knee ride of “oon dacka doon, oon dacka doon”. He was the father of one son and three daughters, of which one greeted him above with open arms. He rode his 1940s bicycle around the hood to visit family and friends and to make new ones. He was the mayor of Hollywood and Vine for over sixty years. He loved his siblings, children, grandchildren, and wife with a full heart and gave thanks to his savior, the good lord above, for his many blessings. We’ve had ninety plus years of life lessons from this man while he walked this earth. He is now storytelling with his loving angels, daughter Sherri, grandson Jeff, great grandsons Austin, Braylen, and James, Jeff, and his sisters and brothers. May he forever be in our hearts and not forgotten. We love you so much. Henry is survived by his wife, Bessie; children Tammy Bottoms of SC, Mary (Bill Webb) Alberts of Rensselaer, Jeffrey Hesson of Rensselaer; brother, John P. Hesson; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; son-in-law, Terry Gilbert. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth; beloved daughter, Sherri Geesa; four sisters; four brothers; five grandchildren. Friends may call on the family on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 10:30 AM CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel with Bishop Rick Helton officiating. Interment at Memory Gardens of Rensselaer. Memorials may be made in Henry’s name to the Iroquois Archery Club.

Henry Hoover Hesson

September 10, 1928 - August 18, 2023