Michel Ernest Hess passed away in Overland Park, KS, at the age of 75. Mike was born in Horton, KS to Norm and Lorain Hess.  He grew up in Longview, WA and  graduated from Eastern Washington State College (now EWU) in the ROTC program, where he also captained the football team, and went straight into Army Ranger School. Mike’s 20-year military service began with an assignment in Wurzberg, Germany and included three tours of duty in the Vietnam War. A highly decorated Army soldier and officer, Mike earned a Silver Star, 6 Bronze Stars with 2 for Valor, 2 Purple hearts, 2 Air Medals and an Army Commendation Medal for valor, and retired with honors as a Lieutenant Colonel.

After assignments throughout the US, Mike returned to Kansas City for his civilian life, where he could pursue his passions of golf, hunting, watching football, helping fellow vets through the Veterans Ministry, and volunteering with his wife Sue as Congressional Care Ministers. To say he led an active life would be a discredit to his legacy -  he took up running in his thirties and trained himself to achieve a sub-three-hour marathon. His infectious personality wasn’t reserved just for his golfing and hunting buddies either. Whether it was the postman, receptionist, or the fellow sitting next to him at a game, Mike never let an opportunity to connect with humanity pass him by. Mike is survived by children Damon (Sabrina), Tobin (Gladys) and Mignon (Traver) as well as his loving wife Sue and her children Jeni (Tyler), Kristen (Dan), and Steve and 11 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Linda Holstein

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to RezVets organization. Mike was a proud founder and leader of RezVets,  a veteran’s care ministry dedicated to saving veteran’s lives and assisting veterans and their families in achieving balance in their lives.

Services to be announced.