Aaron Estil Hess, 88, of North Vernon, passed away at 5:42 pm on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at King's Daughters Hospital in Madison.

A funeral service will be held at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Services on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Bruce Watts officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday and from noon until the time of the service on Tuesday. Interment will be at Vernon Cemetery with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 2021 and the United States Army.

Born May 2, 1928 in Scottsburg, Aaron was the son of the late Grover and Carolyn Mausea Hess. He was a graduate of North Vernon High School and went on to serve his nation in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He later married his wife of 66 years, Madeline Harrison (Ramey). She survives.  Mr. Hess had been employed with Cummins Engine company for 38 years before retiring in 1988. He had also served as a Deacon at Bethel Baptist Church in North Vernon.

Aaron was a proud patriot that was an active member in the National Rifle Association. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed shooting sports.

He is survived by his wife, Madeline Hess of North Vernon; a daughter, Kristina (Kevin) Ramey Royalty of Madison; a son, Bruce Hess of North Vernon; three grandchildren, Patrick Black of Edinburgh, Bradley Hall of Lancaster, KY and David Hall of Lexington, KY; two great-grandchildren, Megan and Logan Hall; and a sister, Esther Nolan of Scottsburg.

Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Carolyn Hess; a son, Greg Hess; a grandson, James Robert Hall; two brothers, Alvin and Wilmer Hess; and three sisters, Norma Gill, Wanda Large and Helen Gildersleeve.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the Wayside Inn Shelter and Bethel Baptist Church.