A Service of Remembrance was held April 9 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson for Horace Hedges, 104, of Jefferson.
The Rev Julie Poulsen offered words of comfort. Joseph Jackson II was soloist, accompanied by Sheryl Sloan.
Interment was at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.
Horace Frederick Hedges was born January 25, 1915, in Scranton Township, Greene County, the son of Charles and Bertha (Gotter) Hedges. Upon graduating from high school, Horace began a long and successful career in farming.
On May 16, 1937, Horace was united in marriage to Juliette Manor at the home of the bride.
The couple spent their married life farming in Greene County.
Horace was a long-time member of the Greenbrier Methodist Church and in later years, he belonged to First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Lions Club. He served on the board of directors for the West Central Cooperative.
Horace had an intense curiosity for life. He had a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying over his farms and to flight breakfasts around the Midwest.
In 1993, Horace and Juliette moved into their home in Jefferson. The couple traveled to many countries abroad, and they wintered for many years in Florida, Arizona and Texas. They were married for 63 years. Juliette died Dec. 29, 2000.
On July 2, 2008, Horace married Ruth Veenstra, his high school classmate. They enjoyed their daily car rides, going out for meals and companionship. Ruth passed away Nov. 25, 2017.
Horace Hedges died April 5, 2019, at the Greene County Medical Center. He was 104 years of age. He was preceded in death by his wives Juliette and Ruth, his daughter Joy Bartley, his brother Howard and sister Mildred.
Survivors include two daughters, Jo Anne (John) Smith of Owings, MD, and Karen (Joseph) Jackson of Fort Dodge; son-in-law Paul Bartley of Boone; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested to Greene County Christian Action Resource Center (ARC – food pantry) in Jefferson, or Long Term Care at the Greene County Medical Center.
Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.
