Donald G. Hedghes was born September 28, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and died on May 12, 2021, at home in Leesville, South Carolina. Donald is the son of Harry E. and Eva M. Hedghes.
He grew up in Nederland, Colorado. With a mind of a machinist, he worked for Rocky Flats and Boeing Aircraft.
On October 28, 1960, he married his love, Joan O. Hedghes and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He raised three girls, Jenice, Denice and Lenice. Jenice died July 15, 1975. Denice married Randal D. Rader, having five children and 13 grandchildren. Lenice married Charles R. Shoemaker, having three children and three grandchildren.
Don had a firm faith in Jesus (Yeshia, the Messiah). His convictions allowed him to easily share the good news offered to all that would receive him. His persona as a peacemaker displayed a quiet and understanding demeanor along with a generous spirit to all in need.
As his nephew, Christopher Rood stated, “His fight is now over, and rest has come. He was one of the last few victims of the Cold War.
Little did he know that over 40 years ago, performing his patriotic duty at Rock Flats, that he would become a victim of friendly fire. He is saluted as a Cold War Veteran even though he never served in the military but gave his life for his family and country.”
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel.
The chronicles of his life will rest with him in Nederland Cemetery next to his son, Donald E. Hedghes.
(Originally published in the May 20, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
