Charles Albert Hess was born April 15, 1929 in Oxly,
Missouri to Samuel and Nellie Hess. In 1949 he married Mildred Imogene "Jean" Canady. They
had seven children. Charles earned a Master's Degree in Chemistry from the
University of North Carolina. Charles was a preacher of the gospel who earned his
own support most of his life by teaching school. He
also served as a deacon and as an elder (for two
different congregations). He conducted preacher training courses.
His 'Notes on the New Testament' were prepared in
connection with textual courses he taught through
the years. Charles did mission work in Central America
(three trips). In his various travels he visited
nineteen different countries. Through the years, Charles attended many different
colleges and universities including Freed-Hardeman,
Abilene Christian University and Eastern New Mexico
University. He learned Greek by taking various introductory
courses which he supplemented with extensive
private study. For several years after 'retiring' Charles
would spend some 75 hours a week studying and writing,
in addition to teaching Bible classes. His Bible study would include reading a chapter a day
in Greek, and he also read the New Testament in Spanish. Charles passed away March 14, 2011 in Vancouver,
Washington at the age of 81.