John M. Hess Municipal Award

John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship

Background

The John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship was initiated by the City Council in 2002, to recognize individuals who have provided a legacy of public service to the City of Sand Springs.    This award signifies the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual by our City government.  This award recognizes an individual for his or her lifelong commitment to growing our community through City government.

John was born on January 11, 1918, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  He died on July 17, 2002, at the age of 84.  He majored in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. John served as a Methodist supply pastor in Ripley, where he met his wife, Alice Shoup. They married on June 9, 1940, in Ripley. Hess served as an Army master sergeant and topographer in France during World War II. He and his wife moved to Sand Springs in 1945. John was a research engineer and head of the Research Division for Seismograph Service Corp., which was purchased by Raytheon. Hess also served as pastor at the Mounds Methodist Church for several decades. John Malcolm Hess served as the Mayor and Finance Commissioner of Sand Springs from 1963 through 1970.  After serving as Mayor, his commitment to community service continued for three more decades until his death.

John Hess was a true visionary for municipal growth.   He was instrumental in providing a sound footprint for our community’s consistent and orderly growth.  He had a pivotal role in the following establishments:    

  • Sand Springs Planning Commission
  • First chairman for the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG)
  • First emeritus board member for the Sand Springs Museum Association
  • Instrumental in establishing zoning ordinances and a primary mover for the building of the Sand Springs-Pogue Airport
  • Obtained water rights for Sand Springs from the Skiatook Reservoir
  • Implemented protective “fence line” defining the city limits boundary, rural water service system, and the annexation of land south of the Arkansas River into the City

Mr. Hess was highly regarded as a man of utmost character and integrity.  He was referred to as “Mr. Mayor” long after his term had concluded.  He exemplified honesty and integrity.  John Hess was selfless in his commitment of time and talents to our community’s well-being and prosperity.

His legacy continues to serve as a model for placing community needs and values at the forefront of one’s life.