Retired Circuit Judge Philip G. Hess, age 92, died in his sleep on August 3, 2021 in St. Louis, MO. Beloved husband of Jacqueline (Jackie Govero Peterson); beloved husband of the late Margaret (Peg Engel) Hess, loving father to Tess Brandley of Louisville, CO, Cathy (Kurt) Peterson of Mill Valley CA, and Philip M. (Teresa Mayhew) Hess of St. Louis, loving grandad to Ben Marshall (Siobhan Holland) of Broomfield, Colorado, Carl Hess (Alexis Evans-Hess) of Memphis, TN, Mark Hess of St. Louis MO, Paul Hess (Jenna Tegtmeyer) of St. Charles MO, Lucy Peterson of Los Angeles CA, and Natalie Peterson of Memphis TN, loving great-grandad to Theo Marshall of Broomfield CO, Fitz Tegtmeyer-Hess and Benes Tegtmeyer-Hess of St. Charles, MO. Phil was the sixth child of Frank and Anna Mae (Bond) Hess of Crystal City, MO.
Phil had the honor of serving as a Circuit Judge for Jefferson County, for over 25 years. During his time on the bench, he was elected President of the Missouri Circuit Judges Association, served on the Supreme Court Judicial Ethics Committee, and for many years was active in presenting issues to the Missouri Legislature that concerned judges throughout the state. Before serving as a Circuit Judge, Phil was the Prosecuting Attorney for Jefferson County, an attorney in Festus, MO, a Hearings Examiner for the Public Service Commission in Jefferson City, MO and was employed by Monsanto. Phil graduated from the University of Missouri and the University of Alabama School of Law, where he also worked as an Assistant Athletic Publicity Director. Phil served as a lieutenant forward observer with the 3rd Infantry Division in the Korean War.
Those who knew Phil knew of his other two loves–golf and travel (in that order). In their 61 years of marriage, Phil and Peg travelled extensively all over the world with friends, and enjoyed wintering in Florida and Arizona. Phil and Jackie luckily found each other later in their lives– they were grade school sweethearts. Phil and Jackie enjoyed taking road trips, visiting friends, spending time with each other and family. Phil appreciated getting to know Jackie’s children and their families.
Services: Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, 4232 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108 or the charity of your choice.
As a young lawyer, I practiced in Judge Hess’s courtroom as an Asst Prosecutor, and then as a criminal defense and domestic relations lawyer. In 1982 I was elected as an Associate Circuit Judge and Judge Hess’s colleague until his retirement. Throughout those 16 plus years he was my faithful mentor. I owe him a great debt of gratitude for his friendship and his caring. Anyone who knew him will surely miss him. To paraphrase our County’s namesake, I followed him as Circuit Judge, Division 2, I did not replace him! My sincere condolences to all his family.
I am so sad to hear this. I loved Judge Hess. He was a fair, straight-forward, no-nonsense judge. His room was always a good place to try a case, regardless of which side one represented. As the only female lawyer in Jefferson County in the mid 70s he was supportive of me, treating me as any other lawyer and ensuring that others in the room did, too. I learned how to try a case because of him. He was delightful to be around when he wasn’t on the bench. I looked forward to seeing him at various bar events after his retirement. He was all around a good guy. You, who are his family, were lucky to have him so long. I am glad his passing was peaceful. Love and blessings to all of you. Cherish the memories and tell his story.
Very sorry for the loss. Having been with his son on so many occasions for so many different reasons, his legacy is great. His strength of character surely lives on in the good works of his son, Phil, and his grandsons. Condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathy to the family. An honorable man who set a high standard for attorneys. My pleasure to have known him.
Judge Hess had a very large influence in my life. His family took me in at a very difficult point in my life and I am forever indebted. His guidance let me see the world in a whole different way. Condolences to this great family that paid a huge roll in my life.