Robert Henry Hess

Robert Henry Hess, 87, of Lawrence died January 4, 2026 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Bob was born April 29, 1938 in Iola, the son of James George and Genevieve (Ellis) Hess, the fourth of eight children. He grew up on the Hess family farm southwest of LaHarpe and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1957. On October 5, 1957 he married Ellen Susan “Susie” McVey at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Humboldt. They celebrated 68 years together. They initally lived in Fort Scott, where Bob worked for the Singer Sewing Machine company as the local manager. He was transferred to Lawrence in 1958 to manage the Lawrence Singer store. Over the years he also worked for Lawrence Furniture and White’s before opening Bob’s Bernina Sewing and Vacuum Center in Holiday Plaza in December 1980. He sold the business in 2010 and retired at that time.

Bob had a boundless curiosity and love of life. He enjoyed gardening, a yearly trip to Mazatlan and getting to know everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife; sons Michael (Kathleen) and Mark (Ty Fuller) of Lawrence; granddaughter Gretchen Hess of Chicago, IL.; three grandsons Scott Fuller, Seth Fuller and Spencer Fuller; sister Mary Joan Brigham of St. George; and brother Bernard of Humboldt. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Jerome, Phillip, and Charles; his sisters Ann Ballenger and Julie Hess; and infant sons Timothy and Patrick.

On Friday, January 9th a visitation is scheduled at 9:30am with the Funeral Mass starting at 10:30am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence.  Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery in Humboldt at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society. Bob’s family is very appreciative of the excellent care he received at Lawrence Memorial Hospital during his illness.