Robert “Bob” Hessman

Robert “Bob” Hessman, 81, died Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at his home in rural Ford County surrounded by loved ones.

He was born May 25, 1935 at Dodge City, the son of Fred and Roberta (Herman) Hessman. He was a lifetime Dodge City resident and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a farmer and stockman active in the American Ag Movement. He was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3rd and 4th Degree Member of Knights of Columbus Council 2955 and was proud to be appointed Grand Knight during his tenure. He and his wife started the Southwest Kansas Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children in 1989 after the loss of their daughter.

On November 17, 1956 he married Bonnie “Ruth” Leveritt at St. Margaret’s Church in Giddings, Texas. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2009.

Survivors include: wife, Mary Schaller-Hessman, Dodge City: a son, Robert Benjamin Hessman and wife Janine, Wichita: 4 daughters, Dava Crussell and husband, Thomas, Penrose, Colorado, Jude Hessman, Dodge City, Gemma Mills and husband Joe, Dodge City and Frances Waldren and husband Randy, Wichita; 3 brothers, Jerry Hessman and wife Linda and Tom Hessman all of Dodge City and Bill Hessman, D.V.M., Springfield, Missouri; 1 sister, Linda Olney and husband Neil, Hayden Lake, Idaho; 24 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Mary Mel Eesa Rains, his son, Rinehold “Ron” Hessman, 2 sisters, Judy Hessman and Jan Nicholas, a brother, Mike Hessman and grandson, Brad Watson.

Vigil service followed by Knights of Columbus rosary will be 7:00 pm Friday, May 12, 2017 both at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Cremation will follow the rosary. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Saturday at the church with Fr. Wesley Schawe presiding. Inurnment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, with military honors by Howard Gotschall VFW Post 1714 and Air Force Honor Guard. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart School Endowment, Parents of Murdered Children or Hospice of the Prairie all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com.