Thomas W Hedrick, Jr.

Born January 30, 1928 in rural Dent County, Missouri to Thomas W., Sr. and Anna Alice (Kathcart) Hedrick, he married Marie Wofford on August 16, 1947 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Jerry (Sharon) Hedrick of East Peoria, Michael (Rachel) Hedrick of Seffner, Florida, and Carl Hedrick of North Pekin; one daughter, Linda (Gary) Williams of Pekin; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Brenda Hedrick; two brothers, Roy Hedrick and Jessie Hedrick; and three sisters, Gladys Watson, Freda “Tootie” McCarter, and Maxine Reese.

A United States Army veteran of World War II, he attained the rank of Private First Class.

Tom was a truck driver for 40 years, retiring in 2001. Previously, he was a timber worker for 22 years at Pekin Hardwood and later at Miller Lumber in Orchard Mines.

He was a former member of Faith Tabernacle Church in rural Pekin.

Tom enjoyed gardening, auto repair, watching wrestling, and was a NASCAR fan. He loved everyone and enjoyed being around his family and making others laugh.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Chuck Grogan and Rev. Loy Sutterfield will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com