Allen Rogers Hess

Allen Rogers Hess, 78, of Asheville, NC, passed away in the early morning of April 13, 2026. A native of Washington D.C., Allen was born on September 20, 1947, to the late Russell O. Hess, Jr., and Ruth Rogers Hess. He was also preceded in death by older brother, Russell O. Hess III.

He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1965 and went on to earn a BS in Government from the College of William and Mary in 1969 and a MS in Natural Resources/Parks & Recreation from Ohio State University in 1974.

Allen enjoyed a long and dedicated 33-year career with the Federal Government, including 22 years as a Cultural Resource Specialist with the Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters in the National Park Service. He was known for always having a pun, joke, or impersonation ready to share, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time traveling the Parkway and supporting its many resource centers, shops, and rest areas. One of his many highlights with the Parkway was hosting a 4-year-old terminally ill leukemia patient through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Allen was a dedicated member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, sang in the Adult Choir, served on various committees, and supported the Awana Program where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Owl.” As a teenager, he was a passionate Boy Scout, obtaining his Eagle Scout and earning Vigil Honor in Order of the Arrow while also playing varsity football. He later served as Assistant Scoutmaster for his son’s troop and consistently lived Scouting’s oath and motto.

Allen was a lifelong collector of many treasures including signed books, bird carvings, and NASA and WWII memorabilia. He was also a longtime fan of his beloved Washington Redskins.

Allen is survived by his wife of 40 years, Glenda Bryan Hess; son, Benjamin Allen Hess; daughters, Shannon R. McDevitt and Shian Ponder (Darryll); grandchildren, Porter Warrick Hess (Franklin Hagarty), Meghan Silvers (Janson), Thatcher Warrick Hess, and Jaimie Rey; great-grandchildren, Sophie Elle Silvers and Piper Gwen Silvers; and extended family; younger brother, David Hess (Donna Ayerst); sister-in-law, Lori Hess; and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends sincere gratitude to Dianne Auldredge for her compassionate care and support for Allen in his final days.

A private burial service will be held. The family will receive friends at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Allen’s name to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 200 Mt. Carmel Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 or Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Boone Council, 333 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.