by Alan McArthur
Landmark reporter

The death of a Platte County man on Monday, June 15 has been ruled as a suicide by the Jackson County Medical Examiner.

Frank Hunter, sheriff's department spokesman, confirmed to The Landmark this week that the death of Dennis Hess, 64, was ruled a suicide. As first reported in last week’s Landmark, Hess was found dead at his residence in the 19000 block of Humphrey's Road south of Platte City around 4:30 p.m.

Hunter said the death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hess was discovered in the home by his wife. The wife’s daughter was also home at the time.

Hess is the former owner of Denim and Diamonds, a bar in North Kansas City.

According to business documents from the Missouri Secretary of State, Denim & Diamonds, Incorporated was changed to be owned by Hess in 1997. Hess was listed as the president of the business until March of this year when his wife, Lena Hess, became listed as president.

According to meeting minutes from the city council of North Kansas City, Hess spoke against a smoking ban proposed in the city in 2006.

A tribute page on Facebook already had 273 members on Tuesday. A memorial is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 25 at Bar 12 in North Kansas City.