Jess Franklin Gann

ARLINGTON -- Jess Franklin Gann, 83, passed away on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, in Arlington. Funeral: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, with Chaplain Harold Elliott officiating. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Jess was born on Aug. 16, 1930, in Eustace to Gene Gann and Beulah Calder Gann. Jess was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. A retired chief warrant officer, he served in the Arlington Police Department for 23 years. In 1965, Jess was named Police Officer of the Year for his outstanding service to Arlington. Jess was also known around town for his barbecue served for the Bar Association and fundraisers for Arlington High School. After his retirement, he officially went into the barbecue restaurant business to serve all of Arlington. Survivors: Beloved wife of 53 years, Sheila Kirkpatrick Gann; sons, Mark Gann and wife, Phylecia, Rick Gann and wife, Melinda; daughter, Stacy Gann Beard and husband, Brice; sister, Sarah Tunnel; grandchildren, Ashley, Robin, Madison, Channing, Lauren, Camden and Chloe.