Joseph Hedges, age 87 passed away on Wednesday February 26, 2020 at his daughter Sarah’s home. He was born on August 26, 1932 in Taylorville, IL, to Sydney and Lois (Mullins) Hedges and was the youngest of four children. He had two brothers Milford and Kobert, and one sister Evelyn.
Joseph was drafted in the Army in 1953 and served in the Korean War for 4 years. After the Army, he became a meat cutter by trade and did very well through his life where he retired from Lincoln IL IGA being the store Meat Department Manager. Even though this was his trade, his calling was to be a servant of God. He accepted his calling to preach in Lincoln, IL. In the early 1960’s. He had no idea that after serving as Pastor in other towns, that he would end up back in Lincoln in 1972 where he pastored for 28 years until he retired at the age of 65, then moved back to Wichita, KS, where he kept serving others until he moved to Bloomington 3 years ago.
Joseph loved life. He wanted everyone to be happy. His elementary report cards read, that Joe needed to focus on his writing skills and not worry about helping others and making them laugh. His teacher didn’t know that those skills were what he was going to be using for his life’s work. Ministering to others.
Joseph is survived by his wife Earlene, four children Deb (Scott) Pagel, Sarah (Mark) Marshall, Joe Hedges and Sue (Ron) Mieske. He was blessed to have eleven grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sydney and Lois, and all three siblings Milford, Kobert, and Evelyn.
Visitation will be Sunday March 1, 2020 from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Funeral service will be Monday March 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Apostolic Pentecostal Church, Bloomington. Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Tuesday March 3, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Wichita FPC Angel Tree, 1755 E McArthur Rd, Wichita, KS.
Online condolences, pictures or memories may be left for the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.
