Francis Lester "Les" Hesse

Francis Lester "Les" Hesse, retired Captain (USN), Orleans Parish Teacher, and Hospice Volunteer, died September 25, 2013 at home. He was 81 years old. Preceding him in death were his loving wife, Betty Jean Hesse and son, Steven L. Hesse of New Orleans; parents, Helen R. and Walter F. Hesse; and brothers, Walter L. and Arthur L., all of Stuttgart, Arkansas. Captain Hesse, a native of Ulm, Arkansas, graduated from Holly Grove, AR High, Little Rock Capital City Business College, Kansas State University (BS), and the University of Southern California (MSED). A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy serving over 33 years, he retired at the NAS, Belle Chasse, La. in 1986 and lived in New Orleans for the past 31 years. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. While in the USAF, he was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal with one bronze star, plus other South Korean awards. In 1960, he graduated with a BS in Psychology, and joined the U.S. Navy. His Navy awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy from Gov. Mark White, among other citations and awards. Survivors include a daughter, Valerie, three sisters, Helen Knoll, of Stuttgart, Ark., Ruby Dunlap, of Tacoma, Wash., and Marian Worcester, Destrehan, Louisiana, two brothers-in-law, John Valaske, of Kenosha, Wis., and Roger Worcester, of Destrehan, Louisiana, along with many nephews and nieces. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at St. Sepahn Lutheran Church, 6336 Berkley Drive, Algiers, La. with notice to be announced. Express condolences at www.westsideleitzeagan.com.