Family will receive friends Saturday August 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m. at Columbus Bible Way Church 2660 Rhoads Ave. Columbus, OH 43207. Interment: Greenlawn Cemetery. Live Stream Access: www.columbusbiblewaychurch.com

Deacon Charles Wess Sr., age 93, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Boardman, Florida, Deacon Wess lived a long and meaningful life marked by unwavering faith, devoted service, and deep love for his family. His early years were spent in Marion County, Florida and Cordele, GA, before making his home in Columbus, Ohio. He proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force, a journey that shaped his character, discipline, and heart for others. His legacy of leadership, love, and spiritual guidance lives on through his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 20 cherished years, Patricia Van Cleaf Porter Wess, daughter, Catherine Wess Butler, three sons: Reverend Bennie Anderson Wess (Felicia), Reverend Dr. Byron Patrick Wess, Reverend David James Wess Sr. (Yolanda); Forrest Stephen Porter (Aileen), Vicki Lynn Porter, Joi Yvette Carter (Terance), Scott A. Porter (Amy), and Christa McDuffie (Kermit).

Deacon Wess was known for his wisdom, dependability, and steadfast faith in God. He was a guiding light to many, whether offering words of encouragement, modeling quiet strength, or living out his deep convictions with grace and humility. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Lee McCoy, first wife of four years, Jessie Mae Daniels, (mother of his daughter); and by his second wife of 50 wonderful years, Dora Jean Wess, (mother of their four sons); his beloved son, Charles Wess Jr., daughter-in-law Judy Wess, sister, Ida Bingue, and grandson, Aaron Joney Wess.

Deacon Wess leaves to mourn and cherish his memory eighteen grandchildren; Charles Wess, III (Kerry Elaine), David James Wess, Jr. (Karissa), Jonathan Wess Blakely, Dalen Alexander Wess (Alix), Emily Wess, Christopher Wess, Dyonna Dora Jean Wess, William Wilson Wess, Danielle Ashlee Jones, Lauren Blake Harris, Neelia Files (Lee), Stephanie Porter Fisher, Forrest Leon Porter (Alisha), Zarek Porter, Zion Porter, Terence W. Carter, II, Kendall McDuffie, Kamryn McDuffie; nineteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends who will continue to honor his memory.