Ronald "Rock" John Hessman, 68, died Dec. 20, 2016, at Hospice House, Hutchinson, after a five-year battle of Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born Dec. 29, 1947, in Dodge City, to Roy J. and G. Grace (Snyder) Hessman.

Rock graduated from Dodge City High School and went on to graduate from Emporia State University with a BSE and MSE. He was a school psychologist with Barton County Co-Op in Great Bend for 20 years. He was later self-employed as a licensed clinical professional counselor and a Diplomat of the Board in Clinical Forensic Counseling for 24 years. Rock had extensive training in the mental health field.

Rock was an animal lover and all around outdoorsman who appreciated all that nature had to offer and passed these passions on to his children. Rock will be truly missed by his family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor that everyone enjoyed.

On June 16, 1968, Rock married Donna Jean Miller in Dodge City. They shared 49 years of marriage together. She survives. Other survivors include: daughter, Kristin Valeri and husband Doug of Webster, Mass.; son, Ryan Hessman and wife Randa of Lawrence; grandchildren, Reuben and Phoebe Hessman of Lawrence; mother, G. Grace Hessman of Hutchinson; brother, Robert Hessman and wife Lisa of Temecula, Calif.; many nieces and nephews; and fur companions, Belle, Tula, Lexus, and Punkin. He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery presiding. Cremation will follow. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County or Cause for Paws Spay and Neuter Program, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.