Wilford J. Hess

Wilford J. Hess, 88, of Shelley, passed away January 13, 2011 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

He was born April 11, 1922 in Plymouth, Utah to Archie and Martha Pierson Hess.  He attended schools in Plymouth, Utah and Aberdeen, Idaho.

At the age of 19 he joined the United States Marine Corps.  During WWII he participated in action against the enemy at Tulagi, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, Saipan, and Marianas Islands.  He was twice wounded in action on November 20, 1943 and June 21, 1944.  Wilford was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and the Gold Star Medal in lieu of a second Purple Heart.  He was honorably discharged from the Marines as a Sergeant on September 19, 1945.

On April 12, 1946 he married Voris Lois Chandler in Shelley.

Wilford enjoyed fishing and hunting and traveled extensively with his wife.

He is survived by his wife, Voris of Shelley; two sons, Wilford J. Hess Jr. of Shelley; and Harold Jay (Lou) Hess of Beaverton, Oregon, one brother, Blaine Hess of Washington State; and two grandsons, Dale Sirratt and Patrick Hess.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Darlene Gene Hess and five siblings.

Graveside services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday January 22, 2011 at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Team.  Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.