Jerrold Duane 'Jerry' Hess passed away at his home near Stuart, Oklahoma on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the age of 85 years.

Jerry was the son of Howard Hess & Mina Ruth (Childress) Hess, born on October 14, 1938, in Phoenix, Arizona where his early childhood years were spent. Following the death of his father, the family moved to Minnesota. Jerry attended schools and graduated high school in Minnesota in the late 1950s, then joined the United States Air Force. During his service, the Air Force began forming a band. Jerry tried out for the band as a drummer and got the job. Following his military service he made a career of playing drums for musical groups, mostly Country music. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, collecting rocks and arrowheads, and exploring caves. But his favorite thing was his music, and he kept right on playing drums until the year 2020 when he was in his 80s.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard & Mina Hess; his son, Brian Hess; his stepson, Brian; his brother, Ed Hess.

He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Mary, of the home; two stepdaughters, Sherrie Ford of Holdenville, and Angela Dilbeck (Bobby) of Ada; son-in-law Jerry Ford of Holdenville; eight grandchildren: Cory Ford, Coty Ford, Colton Ford, Cotton Ford, Bobby Dilbeck III, Christopher Dilbeck, Alyssia Dilbeck (Chase Alexander), and Randy Dilbeck; eight great-grandchildren; other family members and many friends.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.