George H. Hedger

George H. Hedger

1931-2017

The Greatest Generation lost another of its own with the passing of Air Force veteran George H. Hedger on Tuesday, September 5th, 2017. He passed away singing hymns and holding the hands of his loving children.

A memorial service for George Herbert Hedger of Edmond will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, September 9th, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Edmond, OK.

George H. Hedger was born January 14, 1931 to H.R and Kara (Spurrier) Hedger in Idabel, OK. He passed from this life at the age of 86. He left his studies at Oklahoma State University to fight a one-year life-threatening battle with polio. After returning to OSU, he left school again during his senior year to join the United States Air Force to serve his country from 1954 to 1958. He was a pilot in the Air Force and later in the Air Force Reserves. He returned to OSU to finish his education in 1958. On August 2, 1958, he and the love of his life Shirley Jean Frazier were married in Stillwater, OK. He began his career in horticulture with the OSU extension office in Idabel, OK. In 1966, they moved to Ardmore, OK where he went to work for The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation until he retired as Director of the Agricultural Division in 1996. He was pleased to be active in the Ardmore Rotary Club and First United Methodist Church of Ardmore, Stillwater, then Edmond. George was elected to the Ardmore Board of Education and went on to serve as president for several years. He served as President for the Federated Pecan Growers Association for multiple terms. He was named Outstanding Alumnus from OSU Department of Horticulture in 1990.

George served as a mentor, Sunday School teacher, youth group sponsor, and “substitute dad” to many young people over the years, opening his home and his heart. He is respected and remembered fondly by many friends for his kindness and his humility. He especially enjoyed sharing his cabin in Creede, Colorado with many friends and family over the years. He loved fishing and relaxing on the Rio Grande and introducing the area to others. He leaves a lasting legacy of love, devotion and service to family, friends, God and community.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, of 55 years. His caregiving for her in her final years was a physical manifestation of his love. He also was preceded by his parents H.R. and Kara Hedger, Brother Hugh Hedger, Brother Joe Ed Hedger, Sister Levica Chapman, Sister Margaret Hedger, and grandson Jacob Ryan Hedger.

He is survived by his daughter Tammy Padgett and her husband Rick Padgett, son Matt Hedger and his wife Carrie Hedger, son Zane Hedger and his wife Leah Hedger, grandchildren Zack Padgett, Clay Padgett, Jackson Hedger, Emilee Hedger, Sam Hedger, and Ryan Hedger; brother and sister-in-law Richard Hedger and Dolores Hedger.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be made in his name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, or American Cancer Society.