Donald G. Hess of New Wilmington passed away at 9:18 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2016, in UPMC Horizon Shenango Valley Hospital, Farrell. He was 68.

Mr. Hess was born July 10, 1948, in Sharon, a son of Daniel O. Hess and Betty L. Jennings Hess.

Don retired as a welder for Chevron, Mercer, after more than 30 years of service. He was a long time member of West Middlesex VFW post #6233; and the Wheatland American Legion post #432.

Don was an avid motorcycle rider all of his life. He enjoyed motorcycle trips with his wife and children. He also enjoyed fishing and boating with his family; cooking chickens on the spit, for special occasions; being outdoors, hunting and riding his golf cart checking on his property with his dog Brady; and loved spending time at his camp in Tionesta.

Surviving are: his wife of 49 years, the former Evelyn Jean Heiderman, whom he married on March 8, 1967; his two daughters, Tammy J. Bowers and her husband Randy, Polaski; and Cheryl Parcetich, New Wilmington; a son, Donald G. Hess II, New Wilmington; a brother, Daniel Hess and his wife Nancy, West Middlesex; five grandchildren, Justin and his wife Amy B. Bowers, Hubbard, OH; Jeremy Bowers, Brook Parcetich, Brandy Parcetich and Matthew Hess; two great granddaughters, Kyleigh Kiester and Michaela Bower.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, William "BI" Heiderman.

Calling hours are: 6 p.m. to time of the service Wednesday ( 01/4/2017 ) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.