Larry Ilif Hess Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Ilif Hess Sr. on March 7th, 2026. Larry was born on October 11, 1954, in West Virginia and was the son of Ilif Jack Hess and Betty Hess of New Haven, WV, and Dresden, OH. He lived in Florida, West Virginia, and Ohio throughout his life and traveled the world during his time in the US Marines and as a union iron worker, leaving friends and stories everywhere he went.

Larry was married to Carol F. Hess, the love of his life and his favorite person to spend time with. He was a proud father to Larry (Candice) Hess Jr. and Corey (Devan VanMeter) Hess and stepfather to Christina (Bart Davis) Taber. He was a grandfather to Corinna (Mike) Gerber / Loveland, OH, Jada Hess / Winchester, VA, Nicholas Hendel, Lodan Hess, and Kendyll Hess, who brought him immense joy.

He had a sister Gloria Craig (Terry) West of Dresden, OH and nephews Jamie Wilson / St. Petersberg, FL and Joey Wilson of Dresden, OH. He was preceded in death by his father, Ilif Jack Hess and nephew Joey Wilson.

Larry proudly served as a Marine Corps veteran and spent much of his working life as an iron worker mostly out of the Charleston, WV union hall. Outside of work, he lived fast and fully. He was a drag racer, a motorcycle enthusiast, loved music, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and, by anyone’s honest account, a wild man in the best sense of the word. He loved to have a good time, loved to party, and loved being around people. Later in life, he loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren.

Larry will be remembered for his big personality, his fearless spirit, and the way he lived life on his own terms. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of stories that will be told for years to come.

Services will be announced at a later date

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