November 15, 2016

Linn County News

Published Nov. 16, 2016

Robert Dee “Rob” Hedges, 62, of Ottawa, Kan., passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at the Ottawa University Fredrikson Chapel, 10th & Cedar.

Family met with friends from 6:30-8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, also at the chapel.

Cremation with private inurnment at Trading Post Cemetery, Pleasanton, Kan.

Rob was born Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1954, in Butler, Mo., the son of Leroy and Helen (Osborn) Hedges.

He was baptized at the Amoret Christian Church in Amoret, Mo.

He was raised in Pleasanton, Kan. Rob lived in Manhattan, Kan., moving from Corpus Cristi, Texas. Since 1982, he has lived in Franklin County.

Rob graduated from Pleasanton High School with the class of 1972 and attended Pittsburg State University. He completed his degree at Kansas State University obtaining his bachelor of science in natural resource management/parks & recreation. 

Rob served in the U.S. Navy from June 1975 to June 1979. He obtained the rank of AZ3 Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Third Class.

Rob was married to Cheryl Leonard. They later divorced.

Rob was united in marriage to Lori Lynne Wistuba on June 4, 1994, in Ottawa. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his four children Paul Hedges of Olathe, Jason Hedges and wife, Betsy, of Ottawa, Daniel Hedges and wife, Sara, of Kansas City, Kan., and Hannah Hedges and boyfriend Alex Hasty both of Ottawa; two brothers Steve Hedges and wife, Sharon, of Sugar Valley Lakes, Mound City, and David Hedges and wife, Diane, of Dallas, Texas; two sisters-in-law Linda Hedges of El Dorado and Merleann Hedges of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren Enzi Hedges, Rowan Hedges, Addison Hedges, Jacelyn Hedges, Ben Hadley, Blaise Cobb, Jay Cobb and Henri Hedges; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Helen Hedges; and two brothers Willard Hedges and Cliff Hedges.

After college he worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Pomona Lake and then was a site manager 11 years at Camp Chippewa United Methodist Church Camp. He was currently employed with Orscheln Farm & Home as an assistant manager from 1991 to present.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking photos of nature and traveling. He was very knowledgeable about trees, birds and nature in general. He was also an avid gardener and BBQ master, known for his smoking and grilling.

Family and friends can help with medical expenses by donating to www.youcaring.com/rob-hedges-606814/update/538429. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Rob’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.