Dr. Don Richard Hess

Dr. Don Richard Hess passed away peacefully at his home in Chickasha, Oklahoma, on September 6, 2025. He was 82.

Don was born on April 2, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas. He spent his early years there while his father worked for Boeing. After the passing of his mother, Juanita June Hess, Don and his five siblings moved to Billings, Oklahoma. His father later remarried, and Don became one of nine children.

Don attended school in Billings, where his high school years were filled with sports and occasional self-proclaimed “orneriness.” During his senior year of high school, he married his first wife, Barbara Bowers. The couple moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, to attend Central State College. Though he originally planned to become a coach, Don soon changed course and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics.

In 1963, shortly before the birth of his first child, Michael, Don lost his father, Harold “Sonny” Hess. He had intended to pursue a graduate degree in Chemistry, but another career shift soon followed. While working during college in a lab, Don caught the attention of the research physician, who encouraged him to apply to medical school. That advice changed his life.

Don earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1972. At his graduation ceremony, he was honored with the prestigious Onis George Hazel Memorial Award for the “Best Doctor-Patient Relationship.”

After completing a one-year internship in Oklahoma City, Don and his family settled in Chickasha, where he began what would become a nearly five-decade-long medical career. In 1974, his daughter Kelly was born.

In 1983, Don married Heidi Watkins, with whom he shared 41 wonderful years. Together they had two daughters: Kaitlin (born in 1987) and Kristen (born in 1989).

Don dedicated himself to his career as a doctor. He was a trusted caregiver and a steady, reassuring presence to thousands in the Chickasha community and beyond. He was known for his humble kindness, generosity, quiet humor, and unwavering dedication to his patients. Don built a reputation as both a respected doctor and a beloved individual. He genuinely loved his work and the people he served.

Outside of medicine, Don was a family man at heart. He had a deep love for his family, OU football, classic ’50s music, and red-and-white 1958 Chevy Impala convertibles.

The simplest and truest description of Don could be summed up in the words, He was a good man.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother Michael Hess; his parents Juanita June and Harold “Sonny” Hess; his stepmother, Dorothy Scroggins; his brother Harold “Bud” Wilkens; his sister Linda Noteware; and stepbrother Randy Cook.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Heidi Hess; and his four children, Michael Don Hess of Allen, Texas, Kelly Dawn Blevins of Yukon, Kaitlin Skye McLemore of Yukon, and Kristen Dayne (Mark) Shirley of Norman; three sisters: Rochella Sue (Keith) Mahaffey of Enid, Pattie (Jim) Joons of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Tammy (David) Lee of Enid; two brothers, Ron “Doc” (Billie) Hess of Yukon, and Dana (Cheryl) Hess of Carmichael, California; one sister-in-law: Pat Wilkens of Edmond; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Don R. Hess Memorial Scholarship Fund supporting students from small towns in Oklahoma who are pursuing a medical degree—continuing Don’s legacy of care and community. Please send memorial donations to Arvest Bank, 1927 South 4th Street, Chickasha, OK 73018. Checks may be made payable to The Don R. Hess Memorial Scholarship.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Kelly Nunn, RN and the team at Lifeline Hospice for their compassionate care.

To honor Don’s request, no public services will be held. A private family service will be held at a later date.