Charles P Hess

Charles "Chuck" Peart Hess of Taylorsville, Utah was born March 28, 1950, in Logan, Utah, to James Wildern and Bar Dee Peart Hess, and returned to his Heavenly Father on May 1, 2025, after a long battle with multiple illnesses.

Chuck grew up in Lewiston, Utah graduating from Sky View High School. As a tall, broad-shouldered young man, he played the tuba in band then football on the field. Following in his father’s footsteps, Chuck loved fishing, working in his youth as a fishing guide in Yellowstone National Park. However, the Blackfoot Reservoir—and especially the Blackfoot River in southern Idaho—endured in his heart as the best fishing around.

Chuck was a “rebellious,” motorcycle-riding youth who formed a deep love for the music of the ’60s and ’70s, with favorites including The Byrds, The Doors, and The Beach Boys. Losing his motorcycle in an accident through Logan Canyon quickly cured him of that form of rebellion, but surely contributed to his classic parting farewell: “Seatbelts! Drive safe! Watch for crazies!”

Chuck served a mission in Southern California for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often recalling the blistering heat while proselytizing and the large earthquake he experienced while there.

Chuck married Nicole Eva Talbot of Lewiston, Utah, on March 10, 1972, and they went on to have five children together. Chuck and Nicole were sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple.

Chuck was a private yet charismatic and proud man. He was the consummate businessman and salesman. He earned a reputation for honesty and integrity in his business dealings, gaining loyal customers for decades.

Chuck loved sports, especially the game of basketball, with Larry Bird being his pick for the best player of all time. And, according to him, basketball hasn't been the same since he retired.

He was endlessly passionate about family history, having spent years researching and writing a book about his pioneer heritage—something he was immensely proud of. He served as president of the John W. Hess family organization for many years and enjoyed helping arrange the large family reunions. In later years, Chuck also wrote a book about his wife’s grandfather, a storied and accomplished military figure he admired.

Chuck was a talented photographer, with the Christmas lights at Temple Square being a favorite subject—but not more than the grandchildren he absolutely adored: Madison, Sydney, Maximus and Mia.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole; sons, Gregory Wildern and Matthew James; and daughter, Katherine; brother James Peart (Trudy) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Lynn, and daughter, Rebecca Bennett. Chuck’s testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ gave him comfort in knowing he would see them again. His legacy of hard work and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral services for Chuck will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the LDS Church at 6100 South Kamas Drive (2600 West), Taylorsville, UT 84129. A viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., with services starting at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow that same day in Lewiston, Utah.

God be with you till we meet again.