Denim & Diamonds owner Dennis Hess wasn't allowed to own a gun. Thirty-five years ago, Hess was convicted of selling drugs in Clay County, Missouri. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison on January 18, 1974, according to the results of a Missouri Highway Patrol background check. He served two years in prison and was released on probation on August 30, 1976. His punishment was complete on March 15, 1988, when the Missouri Board of Probation in Jefferson City took him off probation.
Hess was truly a self-made man, fashioning successful business ventures after he'd paid for his crime. He had faith in other people, former employees recall. Hess' forgiving nature may have been partly shaped by his recognition that he, too, was given a second chance.
The mother of one of Hess' daughters told The Pitch this summer that she'd never known Hess to be violent toward women. His fourth wife, Lena Hess, claimed the opposite in court filings.
A former girlfriend of Hess', Karyn Grounds, filed a petition for an order of protection against Hess in 2001 in Platte County Circuit Court. On the petition, Grounds wrote that she lived with Hess on Humphrey Road in Platte City, and that on January 1, 2001, he "shoved me down the stairs." On January 11, 2001, she wrote, Hess "threatened to kill me, swung a crow bar at me, threw a phone hitting me in the face and causing injury." On the part of the form that asks why she's afraid of Hess, she wrote, "He threatened to kill me. He's mad because I'm leaving him and buying a house. [He] tore up my check so I can't close on a house tomorrow morning. I'm trying to get back on my feet and get out and it's making him crazy. I've never seen him threaten or act violent like this until recently."
See the petition for order of protection after the jump:
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The money probably came up missing this past March, 2009 as that was the same month he was kicked out... I saw that Susan G. Komen thing on the calendar, and I almost thought about calling them and telling them that if they wanted to see all the money, they'd better have someone from their organization at the door collecting the money or else they MIGHT only see half of it if they're lucky...
To Outsider and Former D&D Customer:
Just curious if my info is correct and you might know the answer, but I heard that most of the "Snake Saturday" proceeds came up missing also...which Saturday, I'm not sure because Dennis was kicked out of HIS bar so many times !!! But I don't think I'm wrong about money disappearing since Dennis hooked up with Lena.
Thank you for bringing that to everyone's attention. I'm not surprised that Toys for Tots money came up missing last year with Lena at the healm. Dennis was always so proud of the efforts for this Foundation. I had the same concerns when I saw that she was having a benefit for Susan G. Koman Foundation. I am also one of the people who will not step foot inside D&D's again while she owns it. My husband and I refuse to give her another dime of our "hard earned" money!!!
I see a Toys for Tots event is scheduled on the Denim's website. People need to be aware that last year they came up $6,500 short -- so if you want to make sure your donations are actually going towards Toys for Tots, I'd urge you to go to Paul & Jacks on December 11th for Outlaw Jim and the Whiskeybenders.
http://www.myspace.com/outlawj...
Oh -- and I'm one of those people who won't to step a foot inside Denim's as long as Lena is owner. I refuse to do anything that might aid in her financial support nor would I want to give the misconception that I support her actions by being a customer.
Let me get this straight: If Dennis were abusive, Lena should have been a "real woman" and left immediately. Yet all of you claim Lena was the abuser, so why shouldn't Dennis have been a "real man" and left at the first sign of abuse from her?
Someone who drinks for 50 years like you say, then got cancer from the drinking, but continues to drink, DOES have a drinking problem. Just because he didn't get violent doesn't mean he didn't have a booze problem.
I didn't personally know either of these people, but they both sound like very troubled people. I'm sorry that he shot and killed himself, but he had a long history of making bad judgments and his last one cost him his life. More than one woman in his life seemed to prey on his poor choices for their financial gain. Lena just happened to be the one who cashed in the most. It's all just a crying shame!
plain angry and dealing - you really understand what Dennis was going through - thank you for sharing your thoughts...
Country Girl- I stand corrected. It should have said, "on a hit man". Thank you for the clarification; writing that quickly.
Pfft; the whole premise on these articles is bar gossip. It's truly disgusting. My point was that it would have been nice if the writer followed through with evidence corresponding to the "personal accounts". If anything, making more of a point of how truly UNFEARFUL of Dennis Lena was. Not to mention the manipulative abuse of the law in the process. If you're going to tell a story, research it and tell the whole darn thing.
The only fear she had was looking bad because he had seen the truth through her lies.
The last thing in the world she wants to see is people getting their heads together, dates etc...
I feel so terrible for the family and especially Kris though this... but honestly, I am more afraid someone is next with this Pathological Lying, who displays the entire gamut of signs of an Emotional Abuser.
Every ONE of her relationships were marked with the same pathological responses. Not one relationship she has had in her life can be upheld as evidence as marker for healthy.
Dennis's relationships were in contrast a very different story. I reserve judgment on Karen.. however, I can say that I do believe from what I witnessed that she also had some similar emotional and abusive tendencies. The other females in Dennis's life insist this type of strong-arming and abuse never happened with them. So basically, the articles show Dennis had many-many relationships that were consistent in quality and only two that could be held against him in any way. Those two are under highly unusual circumstances and the accusations are questionable.. there is reasonable doubt to these accusations.
If Lena was fearful for her life� she would have walked out that door and never looked back - like a real woman. She used Dennis weakness to �win� what she wanted, [she has to win] tormenting him with the very things he was fearful of� playing on his emotions, withholding basic necessities - as an emotional manipulator and abuser usually does�.control by confusion.
It is quite possible he did finally lose his mind.
I don't think Dennis failed anyone. I think Dennis tried to handle things himself and had no idea what he was up against. She needs a professional.
pfft - not bar gossip - Who takes pictures of their dead father or stepfather (don't know which Kenneth Hayes was) with their cellphone and then shows them to people? There were even ones with her laying next to him on the floor. Unbelievable but not bar gossip.
Check out CASENET for the facts regarding Kenneth Hayes prison time..also the Marshall, Mo newspaper has the article in it's archives. The hit was intended for Mr. Hayes, but he shot the hitman instead. It occurred back in 1982. If you are looking for time-lines, on CASENET you will see some dates from years ago are June 15th or February 26th. Coincidence, don't believe it.
THIS is bar gossip:
"What about the suspiciousness of her fathers funeral and subsequent prison stint for attempting to carry out a hit on another man -- which was linked to Lena�s mother? ...How about those pictures she took on her cell phone of said former prison bound step-fathers untimely accident leading to his death..."
First of all, I have a difficult time believing that Lena was a victim by any stretch of the imagination. In her typical child-like immaturity, she used restraining orders as ritualistic abuse of power. Knowing this situation personally, it pisses me off that she could even be remotely painted as a victim. This is her game. It is those like her that make it difficult for those whom are truly ignorant enough to stay in abusive relationships, those truly needing that protection. If she was afraid, lil miss business owner �I�m a big girl and do it all by myself� would have never gone back to this so many times. It was a weapon of power. Nasty little thing deceitful thing she is.
Lena has a history of lies, countless people both professional and non that corroborate this. She also has a shady history of manipulations and in fact, questionable circumstances surrounding her entire life.
Drinking or not, loss of temper or not, drugs or not� you start counting up her instances of abuse of power, that started within months of the marriage, as opposed to Dennis�s actions or reaction; logic overcomes. The bottom line is�..no one should be treated with such disrespect, and they certainly do not deserve to die. I am appalled at how the Pitch has published any of this in what is deemed no more than bar gossip. I am also surprised at the lack of integrity of releasing the crime scene picture. I would have rather seen the correlations of maybe when Dennis introduced his wife at the NKC meeting as the new owner� what was really going on at that time? What about the suspiciousness of her fathers funeral and subsequent prison stint for attempting to carry out a hit on another man -- which was linked to Lena�s mother? What about the �credible� witnesses, not just �employees� of Denims. Such as large business owners, police timeline (especially where one of the restraining orders was taken out, yet the next day Dennis was a pallbearer at her step-fathers funeral), How about those pictures she took on her cell phone of said former prison bound step-fathers untimely accident leading to his death, public business records on file, historical data�etc�Then create a time line. If anything the idea of �restraining� orders being misused is quite obvious.
I don�t think anyone who was close to Dennis would say he did not have his fault, or even limits. We all do. We all have pressure points where we can only take so much. Some are more balanced and mature than others, and some not so much. I think watching this situation from afar Dennis did a tremendous job of TRYING to take something really-really wrong and make it right. I truly believe for the right reasons. I know for a fact Lena lied about her past, who she was, her finances; she did this prior to even meeting Dennis in several realms. She is what psychology would deem a true Pathological liar.
Dennis was a happy-go-lucky guy, who did not have a �bad word� to say about anyone. He did have the uncanny ability to appease warring factions without doing so. I know Dennis had some �enemies�, but very few. Usually, those who were turned off by the �honky-tonk� scene. I also know more of the elitist crowd takes a stance about Denims that it is nothing but trouble, where the riff raff or unwanted end up� I guess that�s why admired Dennis. He had the ability to find good in everyone; genuinely. I resent the fact that people are so sanctimonious that they honestly believe that what Dennis went through was deserving in any way. I am a strong judge of character, and I�ve been wrong. Not about this.
I agree with the above poster on the question of where the stories are of his remarkable contributions to the world? Is there some of that sanctimonious attitude behind these articles? Because in my short stint in this life, I have come to realize many people are on different paths, they come from different backgrounds and have their own demons to overcome. True, there were many people in Dennis life who have been proven to have issues with one addiction, lack of self esteem, or another. But it takes people like Dennis, with a foot on both sides to make a difference. I think that is what drew me to him the most. Fascinated by his ease with people who had REAL problems�accepting them and encouraging them to find a better path. Something I don�t think I would have his strength to do? Opening myself up to other peoples drama and chaos. So of course, it would be natural to see quite a bit of this around him. Sometimes this can become a slippery slope and there can be a big set of teeth waiting for you, but he was brave enough to try. I believe this was his life�s good work. I believe he did this BECAUSE of his past and wisdom gleaned. His hope that something good might come from his mistakes. The club wasn�t about money for Dennis. Not in his heart.
Was he perfect? Nah. But he was perfectly Dennis. I have never known a man like him, and doubt anyone will fill his shoes.
I have one more thing to add about Dennis's "drinking problem".....since "Wondering" was so concerned about why none of his family & friends dragged him to an AA meeting, raise your hand if you thought for one minute that Dennis had a drinking problem !! And since "Wondering" wants to portray the "wife" as such a warm, dutiful spouse..then why in the hell didn't she intervene? Lena's the only one that has made a big deal of that whole subject...it's funny, that after Dennis has been drinking for probably 50 years, that now someone wants to know why family & friends didn't try to get him to quit!! It's absurd & comical!!!!!!!
Reading what has been said WHERE for the last 4 months? Like I said, not everyone knows who this man is! This isn't national news or anything. I didn't go seeking out this story for gods sake!
Oh well, who cares. The author must have no idea what she's talking about. Pulled it all out of her ass I'm sure. Moving onto more important things going on in the world.
To Wondering-Have you not been reading what has been said for the last 4 months????? The "wife" has lied about everything and I mean everything...so please don't pass judgment on Dennis & his family who know the truth...And I know Dennis's family & friends will tell you that we can't think of any occasion that Dennis was ever caught in a lie...and if he wanted to drink his Crown, that was his business...his bills were all paid on time!!!!
Contrary to what you all believe, not everyone knew (or even heard of) the man. I can only go by what is stated in these articles. It was said that the wife stated he'd been drinking, left the house, came back and committed suicide. His drinking was mentioned several times in the article, and who goes back to drinking after having cancer from said drinking if they don't have a problem?
I was busy being a kid in the 70's, not a drug dealer.
If the information in these articles are false, then by all means, clear it up for us, dear family and friends.
Contrary to what you all believe, not everyone knew the man. I'm going by the articles I'm reading on this website. In the original article it says that the wife stated that he'd been drinking before leaving the house, then returning and committing suicide. These articles mention his alcohol use many, many times, and if he wasn't an alcoholic, why would he continue drinking after having cancer from said drinking?
I was busy being a kid in the 70's, not a drug dealer.
you no all i want to say is there is not a day that goes by and i dont miss him , i loved dennis he was great to david and i and my kids they were heartbroken when they knew this happened dennis spent alot of time with my family threw the years and it has affected not just david and i but my family and alot of other families i will always have a special place in my heart for him i love you dennis tiffany cox
Joni Wyatt...i honestly feel sorry for her daughter knowing that Lena took away the only man that she could actually consider her dad...
I want to clarify what you said about Lena's daughter. First of all, I know Dennis loved her dearly and I also know first hand, that she loved her Daddy Dennis as well and misses him alot. She does however have a father who loves her and would do anything in the world for her. He's a huge part of her life when he is allowed to be. He fought in court for those rights...She is the innocent one in all this and please lets do what we can to leave her out of it.
Drinking problem? Dennis had poured himself a drink that afternoon. He was not under the influence of alcohol.
Drug charges - did you miss the part that read thirty five years ago?
I am not a "commenter" - I am a "loved one".
To Wondering,
Where were you at when he was doing all this drinking? And since you are so aware of his "drinking problem", why didn't you try your own intervention? If he was so abusive when he was drunk with Karen & Lena, why, as grown women, did they keep going back to him? I can tell you why..they loved to stir up shit and watch the drama unfold and then act like they didn't contribute to their own misery...and they needed and wanted his money..And about the drug charge...what were you doing in the 70's...one toke over the line, sweet Jesus...we just didn't get caught!!!!
Drinking problem? He had poured himself a drink earlier in the afternoon. He was not under the influence of alcohol the afternoon this happened.
No mention of the drug charges? Did you miss the part that read thirty five years ago?
You might be a "commenter" but I am one that loved and was loved by Dennis Hess.
Once again, I'm appalled that his family and friends enabled his drinking problem by drinking with him instead of getting him help. The article said he was drinking the night he shot himself. Perhaps had he had the drinking under control he wouldn't have done it. And to let him keep drinking- and encourage it- after having cancer due to the drinking is despicable.
Why no mention of the drug charges from the commenters?
Chris Mitchell...I'm not talking about you. You made Denny happy!!! I never heard Denny say a bad thing about you..not like he did Karen & Lena !!!! Karen pulled a bunch of crap to get Denny away from his children..which you probably know about..and we all know what Lena did..Anyway, I wanted to set this straight, so no one would think I would put you in the same catagory as those two..When we get together, we'll drink a toast to the old fart !!!!
I just got off the phone with Michelle,in fact, we have been trying to decide if we should blog at all, but we have nothing to hide or anything to be ashamed of. My family treated Denny with respect, even tho, they felt he ran out on me years ago, but they respected our decision to not get married and when he & Michelle met each other in 1988, it was like they had always been in each others lives. Did you notice I use the word RESPECT alot? Karen & Chris Mitchell both were always invited to MY side of the family get togethers. Did I treat them with respect? I hope so, because since Denny chose to have them in my daughter's life, I had no other choice! In life, you bring on your own drama..Without respect, there can be no love..and I'm not sure why these women didn't run for the hills when they felt disrespected. I stood up to Denny along time ago (after my brother had a little talk with him) and from that day in July of 1969, Denny & I respected each other..and I guess I'll never understand that once you filed the first protection order..WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU GO BACK TO THE MAN WHO DONE YOU WRONG? Did you enjoy looking like a fool? And why in the hell would you date a man that owned a bar and dearly loved to flirt with all the women? Sounds like a low self-esteem, no pride for yourself and show me the MONEY personality trait. I guess I love myself too much...BUT IN CLOSING, FROM THE HESS BROOD,FRIENDS & FAMILY..THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS & SUPPORT. DENNIS WAS DEFINITELY ONE OF A KIND AND DOES NOT DESERVE ALL THIS TRASH-TALK.
If you believe anything in this article except the fact that lena is a goldigger than u didn't know anything about my grandfather...he was amazing man and he will be greatly missed...Lena wanted nothing but his money and when she got that it still wasn't enough. My grandfather Dennis Hess was never a violent man, he actually tried to stay away from all the drama but with Karen and Lena there was no way out of the drama..Lena came into our family and ripped us apart she even burned all the family picture's that we had taken together, we used to get together every holiday and after she married my grandpa it didn't happen like that we hardly ever got together....Lena actually told my little sister that she wasn't allowed to call him grandpa cause it confused her daughter, Lena only gave us 30 min notice to come and see our grandfather for the last time, and the entire we were there we were being rushed that is no way to get to pay our finally respects. If any of you really knew Lena Hayes you would know that we were messing with the devil, she is coldhearted and doesn't care about anybody but herself, i honestly feel sorry for her daughter knowing that Lena took away the only man that she could actually consider her dad...WE LOVE YOU GRANDPA MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!!!!!
I'm not at all sure what Karyn Grounds has to do with this story. She is another person who lied and manipulated to get what she wanted. And yes, another story in Dennis's life. That being said, Dennis absolutely believed in giving people second chances. He used the time he spent in prison to better himself and he shared that inspiration with his fellow inmates. Second chances - he gave them and he encouraged those around him to do the same - "Pay it Forward" - Dennis spent his life doing that. We are all better people for having shared our lives with Dennis Hess.
Nice hit piece on a dead man. I thought the crime scene photo in the other article was pitch's all time low but now I stand corrected.
Oh I forgot to add one other important item about Karen Grounds. She was extremly violent. I personally witnessed Dennis comming into a bar one night and a woman was introducing Dennis to her Boyfriend. The next thing you know Karen walks right up to this woman and Punches her in the face. Totally uncalled for. The woman who ran the bar with her husband had finally had enough of Karen Grounds and threw her out. It was not the first time Karen had caused a problem in that bar or for the owners of that bar. In addition she attacked Chris Mitchell. So those police reports of her claiming he was abusive crap, crap, crap. She was the abusive one!
The stories of Karen Gounds could go on for miles!
Karen Gounds what a joke. Pathetic person all together. She is a lier and had a consistant habit of going after men who owned businesses. She on more than one occassion tried to ruin the lives and relationships those owners had. In all reality while Karen can not hold a candle to Lena they could have certainly been friends. They had a magnificant ability to involve the cops every time they turned around. They love drama, and caious and they really get a thrill out of hurting people
Some people do just not know how to walk away when its not working. Karen and Lena are two of those people they want it all and they dont care what it takes to get it and if they are going insane they will take you with them.
In the twenty years that Dennis has been envolved in our lives there was never one shread of crap with girlfriend Chris Mitchell all of the drama was from two women. Whats that tell you. Do something bad and everyone talks about and you tell at least 10 people. Do something good and usually God will be the only one that remembers.
i want to know what the hell this story has to do with anything, this paper and stories were suppose to be about what a great man he was and how she destroyed his life so everyone could see what this man went threw in the last 4 years of his life , listen we all make mistakes but i have never seen dennis violent to a man or women and as far as im concerened anyone of you who went to that bar and had a drink must have a drinking problem. and if you lived what he lived the last 4 years ,you would be doing alot more than drinking beleave me i saw it with my own eyes
Why hasn't the reporter Nadia interviewed Chris Mitchell yet? Chris Mitchell was Dennis's girlfriend off and on for at least the last 15 years. He dated her before Karen after Karen and was dating her when he met Lena. It's really weird that there hasn't been anything in these articles about her, it's as if she didn't exsist, but she did and still does. I think this women would have the most insight as to what kind of man Dennis was and if he was a abuser or not.
Deann Leddick: Karen lied! She already had a house because I was renting it from her when she and Dennis where together and when they finally did split up, I had to move out. So if anything Dennis had a pattern of picking lieing women, but he did not hit them.
The man had a drinking problem and none of his family and friends did anything to help him? Instead they partied with him at his bar and contributed to it?! It doesn't surprise me that a man who drank Crown everyday of his life would abuse a woman. Interesting about the drug charges. Is that how he funded his future businesses?
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