Frank C. Hessman

April 26, 1940 – October 11, 2026

Frank C. Hessman, 86, passed away on October 11, 2026, in Eugene, Oregon. Born on April 26, 1940, on the family farm in southwest Hodgeman County, Kansas, Frank was the son of William “Bill” Hessman and Gladys (Trent) Hessman. His life was one of hard work, adventure, family, and a knack for making life a little sweeter—often one baked good at a time.

Frank attended grade school at Buckner Valley School in Hodgeman County before moving to Dodge City, Kansas, to attend high school. Beginning in ninth grade, he shared an apartment with his sister Darlene while working part-time at King Cole Bake Shop. What started as a job would become a lifelong passion and career. Frank found his calling in the bakery, where he spent years perfecting his craft and sharing his love of baking with others.

His adventurous spirit took him to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he lived for a short time with his sister Rose before returning to Dodge City. In 1959, he married Carolyn Cobb, and together they welcomed two sons, Daniel and Gerald.

Frank’s life took another memorable turn while he was traveling across the country. At a county fair in Arkansas, he met Sharon Plowman. Sometimes life has a way of making things happen quickly, and for Frank and Sharon, two weeks was all it took. They married in Cimarron, Kansas, on September 21, 1973, beginning a love story that would last 51 years.

Over the next several years, Frank, Sharon, and their daughter Mona moved between Kentucky and Kansas, following opportunities and building a life together. Wherever they landed, Frank’s talent for baking was never far behind. He worked in the bakery department at Jack and Jill Grocery in Dodge City and, in 1977, took a leap of faith by opening his own bakery, the Busy Bee, in Dodge City. After selling the business, the family returned to Kentucky, where Frank opened another bakery. He later worked in the bakery at Dillons in Hutchinson, Kansas.

In 1986, Frank, Sharon, and Mona returned to Kansas, moving back to the family farm to help care for Frank’s mother before eventually settling in Dodge City. In 2007, Frank and Sharon made their final move to Eugene, Oregon, to be closer to their daughter Mona and her family.

Although Frank eventually retired from the bakery business, he never really retired from baking. It was simply part of who he was. Family and friends could often count on a homemade cake appearing for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion. For Frank, baking was more than a skill or a career—it was one of the ways he showed people he cared.

When he wasn’t baking, Frank enjoyed fishing, rock hunting, and working on his many special projects. He had a curious mind, a love of keeping busy, and plenty of stories to tell. Time spent with family and friends was never wasted, especially when it included good conversation, a few laughs, and one of Frank’s stories. He had a lifetime of experiences to draw from, and sharing those memories was part of what made time with him special.

Above all else, Frank loved his family. His greatest companion was his beloved wife, Sharon, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Their life together carried them across states, through new adventures, and into the many seasons of raising a family. Even after Sharon’s passing, the love they shared remained an important part of Frank’s story.

Frank leaves behind a legacy built on family, dedication, resilience, and the simple but meaningful ways he showed his love. He will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his adventurous life, his generous heart, his homemade cakes, and the stories that brought everyone together. Most of all, he will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who made his mark not only through the life he lived, but through the people who were lucky enough to share it with him.

Frank is survived by his daughter, Mona, and her husband, Matt Stiffler, of Eugene, Oregon; his sons, Daniel Hessman of Cimarron, Kansas, and Gerald Hessman and his wife, Kay, of Columbus, Ohio; his granddaughters, Makenzy Stiffler of Seattle, Washington, and Delanie Stiffler of Eugene, Oregon; his grandsons, Adam Hessman and Andrew Hessman of Dodge City, Kansas; and his great-grandsons, Dominik Hessman of Dexter, Maine, and Riley Hessman of Dodge City, Kansas. He is also survived by his sister, Sandy Salmans and her husband, Arlyn, of Cimarron, Kansas; brothers-in-law C.L. Hooker of Dodge City, Kansas, and Jim Plowman and his wife, Ruth, of Ensign, Kansas, and Greg Plowman and his wife, Belinda, of Wright, Kansas; and sister-in-law Kay Plowman of Mount Vernon, Kentucky.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Sharon; his brother, Robert Hessman and Robert’s wife, Pat; his sisters, Rose Rinne and her husband, Fred; Lillian Fitzsimmons and her husband, Don; Wilma McCollough and her husband, Mac; Ruby Cook and her husband, Merle; and Darlene Hooker; and his brother-in-law, Ray Plowman.

Funeral services will be held on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Buell Chapel at Andreason’s in Springfield, Oregon.

Frank’s life was measured in more than the years he lived. It was measured in the family he loved, the places he called home, the work he took pride in, the stories he shared, and the countless ways he made life sweeter for the people around him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.