Paul S. Hess, 84

January 24, 2026

Paul S. Hess, 84, a resident of Landis Homes, was called home to be with his Good Shepherd on January 24, 2026. He was the son of the late Jacob G. and Mary W. (Stauffer) Hess, and is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Nancy L. (Nissley) Hess.

Born on January 22, 1942, the oldest of eleven children, Paul grew up on a farm near New Danville. He graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 1960. He spent two years in Central America in Voluntary Service. A 1970 graduate of Millersville University, he worked his whole career as a medical technologist in the Lancaster General Hospital lab, retiring in 2007. During retirement, he worked as a part-time courier for Keystone Mills for 15 years. He was a lifelong member of River Corner Mennonite Church in Conestoga.

Paul and Nancy lived in Willow Street for over 50 years, raising their children and serving their community in a variety of ways. Paul volunteered with the Willow Street fire department for a period of time, and served as a school board member at New Danville Mennonite School and Lancaster Mennonite High School.

No matter the season of life, as he made repairs around the house or in the garage, as he worked in his garden or with his roses, or was sitting in nature in his hunting garb, or while spending time with his family or friends, Paul saw and spoke of God’s faithfulness surrounding him.

Paul and Nancy’s family includes daughter Lisa (Bob) Metzler of Oneonta, AL, daughter Rita (Anthony) Steffen of Mechanicstown, OH, and son Eric (Katie) Hess, Lancaster, PA. Thirteen grandchildren: Jonathan (Hannah) Metzler, Krista (Tim) Huber, Stephanie (Brady) Gaither, Jacob Steffen, Hannah Steffen, Andrew Steffen, Benjamin Steffen, Daniel Steffen, Nathan Steffen, Noelle Hess, Addie Hess, Laela Hess, and Merri Hess. Six great-grandchildren: Janey Metzler, Joelle Metzler, Julianne Metzler, Titus Huber, Eden Huber, Metz Gaither.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a sister Esther (Rick) Jackson, and is survived by siblings Jacob (Norlene) Hess, Rhoda (Harry) Stoner, David (Jane) Hess, Martha (the late David) Clymer, Daniel (Evanna) Hess, Mary (Wishart) Bell, Lois (John) Nafziger, Rachel (Dennis Maust) Hess, and Joseph (Jane) Hess.

Visitation will be held in West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes, Lititz Pa, Saturday February 7, 2026, at 12:30 pm, with memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm.

Service will be livestreamed at the following link:
http://landishomes.org/live-stream