Charles Wilbur “Chuck” Hedges passed away peacefully on Sunday February 7, 2016 at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, KS.
He was born in Courtland, Kansas, population near 430, on February, 26, 1935. The son of Wilbur and Anne (Holtberg) Hedges, he had three older sisters, Betty, Joyce, and Shirley. He graduated second in his high school class, but as he liked to say, was not in the top ten percent. There were nine students in his senior class. Chuck attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, making him a life-long Jayhawk fan.
After graduating from the University of Kansas School of Law, he turned to real estate, and eventually founded Hedges Real Estate and Insurance, which grew into two separate businesses. He loved working in the real estate and insurance businesses and he truly appreciated the many co-workers and customers over the years. He was elected President of The Lawrence Board of Realtors and ultimately received the honor of Distinguished Service Award from the Lawrence Board of Realtors. Some of his other civic activities included being President of The Optimist Club, President of the Lawrence Country Club Board of Directors, serving as a member of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Board, and attending the First United Methodist Church.
In 1956 he married a Lawrence girl, Yvonne Richardson. Together they had four children, Laura, Scott, Blake, and Bryan, who became the focus of their lives. In addition to raising their kids and growing their businesses, Chuck and Yvonne enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Texas. They loved playing golf, cards, bridge, and enjoyed the many friends made while playing. Chuck ultimately earned his Life Master in Duplicate Bridge.
Chuck enjoyed sailing, boating, skiing, fishing, playing racquetball, hunting quail and pheasant, coaching Hillbillies youth football, helping the Aquahawks swim teams, and eating cookies and ice cream. He loved to play games, tell jokes, laugh, and make others laugh. His cabin at Lone Star Lake was the site of many memories with family and friends. Even when slowed by Parkinson’s disease, Chuck never lost his sense of humor, often catching his caregivers by surprise with his quick wit. For more than 30 years, he was Grandpa or Pop. He leaves twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild with another great-grandchild on the way, and many nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with family and attending their activities.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Betty.
He is survived by his wife and companion of nearly 60 years, Yvonne; his sisters Joyce and Shirley, his daughter Laura and husband Frank Burney of San Antonio, Texas, their son Christopher and wife Elizabeth and their daughter Bennett, and daughters Kara, and Charlotte; Scott Hedges and wife Paula, and children Anna, Kayla and Michael; Blake Hedges and wife Kristin and children Apryl, Dylan, Isabella, and Jake; Bryan Hedges and his wife Laura, and their children, Faith and Will.
The Hedges Family would like to sincerely thank all those friends, medical professionals, and caregivers who helped Chuck throughout his life and in recent years and especially to those at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Pioneer Ridge, and Grace Hospice in recent months.
A celebration of life and memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont Street, Lawrence KS. The family suggests gifts in honor of Charles W. Hedges to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home or at Michaeljfox.org/foundation.
Dear Yvonne, we will all miss Chuck a lot. He was a great guy, one of my very favorites. I will always cherish the trip to Austin with Klee when the four of us played in a tournament and Chuck kept us laughing for the entire weekend! He was instrumental in getting KVBC started, we might not be here without him. He was the best! We love you, friend, and are so sorry for your loss (and ours). He touched many lives as do you.
My thoughts and prayer is with all of your family. Chuck was my classmate and he was a really neat guy.
We send your family sympathy at this sad time. Dick appreciated the bridge games and water class Time with Chuck. He will be missed by so many.
The Hedges’s family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have such wonderful memories selling real estate with Chuck at Hedge’s Real Estate. He was a great mentor and with a keen mind and he will be missed.
To all our beloved Hedges, much love and sadness comes to you from Litchfield Park. We have so many fond, fond memories of Member-Guest golf tournaments. While my dad and mom desperately wish they were well enough to travel, our hearts are with you. Thank you for so many fond memories and a life filled with richness in friendship. I’m so glad Dad got to see Chuck when we were in Kansas last summer. It’s a tremendous loss and we are heartbroken here in Arizona. Much love to you all.
I really enjoyed knowing Chuck even though my acquaintance with him was limited to the basketball court at West Junior High. His postive personality was replaced by a fierce competition which usually resulted in me being moved from one part of the court to the other. It is easy to see why he was so loved by many. I loved his competitive, but not belligerent, spirit.
Yvonne and kids: We knew that Chuck wasn’t in good health, but were unaware that he was so bad. We have thought so often about our goofy old times together, and are so glad that we had such fun with you guys. Remembering the boys being good friends, staying all night with the ducks etc. downstairs. And all Matts friends wanting to be invited to a game so that they could see beautiful Laura..We will see you on Sat
Yvonne, Laura, Scott, Blake and Bryan,
You are in our prayers during this difficult time. I have such wonderful memories of your Chuck/Dad. From our days as Aquahawks, golfing at LCC and me as an adult. I loved his hugs and never-ending support. He always had a smile and was interested in what was going on in your life. I still have congratulatory notes with newspaper article from my youth. He was a special man/mentor who will be greatly missed.
Yvonne, Laura, Scott, Blake and Bryan – Our heartfelt condolences on Chuck’s passing. Their are to many wonderful memories to mention. He always made me feel like part of the family.
So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. (Wilbur,Chuck’s father and my dad, Ernie Hedges were brothers)I have such fond memories of both Chuck and his beautiful wife Yvonne from years gone by at family reunions and fondly remember Chuck coming to Florida for our dad’s 95th birthday. Meant so much to us that he came that distance to join in our celebration. I will always remember Chuck as my fun loving, handsome cousin. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Chuck was my friend and I will miss him.
It is my hope that your memories will comfort you all during this time of loss. May Gods love and peace be with you now and always. I am sure my mom and your dad are catching up. He was a good man and had a gentle spirit. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go to each of you. Chuck will be missed.
Sending our sincere sympathy to all your family members. Many fond memories were enjoyed at Grandpa and Grandma Hedges on the corner in Courtland. RIP “CHUCK”.
May peace be with the entire Hedges family during this difficult period.
Bryan we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Reading thru these comments it is obvious he touched many. Let us know if you need anything.
Marc, Allene and Nate Schworm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chuck. God Bless you all in this time of loss.
Dear Family,
Please know our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Elaine, Timmy, Paul, Aaron & Trisha
I am so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. My condolences to your family. I have such fond memories of spending time at your parents house in high school, your Dad’s wonderful sense of humor and fun. My prayers go out to all of you.
We are thinking of you all. Chuck was such a joy in our lives. Many, many happy memories of a Courtland boy who became one of best Lawrence buddies. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Always remember the twinkle in his eyes and his infectious grin.
We are sad to learn of Chuck’s death. We’ve enjoyed a lot of good times with him, and the rest of the family. Our love and sympathy to Yvonne, Scott, Blake, Bryan and all of the family.
We send you our most sincere condolences on your loss. We are thinking of you during this sad time.
Rodger and Sheryl Henry
My father and I have been remembering your Dad and family. Know that we are thinking about you.
I was saddened to learn about Chuck’s passing. I started my career in real estate at Hedges Real Estate with Chuck Hedges at the helm. Chuck was a kind, caring person and a great mentor. My condolences to the entire family.
The celebration of life memorial service for dad is planned for Saturday February 27, 2016 at 3 pm at First United Methodist Church 946 Vermont Street in Lawrence. You are invited.
My condolences to his family. He was my cousin however it is a shame we never really knew him. I remember his father Wilbur when I was a small child. Living in Wisconsin then Florida we all just lost touch.
My father, Ernest Hedges also sends his sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jane
Chuck was a fun and vibrant part of my childhood. He had everything to do with my connection to the University of Kansas. I’ll always remember him with a twinkle in his eye. My condolences to my aunt and cousins.
Love and prayers to your family. Erin
Dearest Hedges Family, my sincere sympathy to each one of you. Chuck was a one of a kinda gentleman and will truly be missed by our Lawrence community. He was a great gift to humanity and I’ll never forget him! Praying for you all – Linda
Scott and family–we were sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. I know you will find peace in the memories you will carry in your heart.
Yvonne, Although we had not seen Chuck for awhile, we remember him fondly. Our love goes out to you all. God Bless always. Dick and Janice Edmondson
To the Hedges Family:
Chuck was a local icon. He was quick to laugh and include people to his personal party that always seemed to be in full swing.
He was one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. I remember my brother writing an essay in school about him being the most influential man in his life. He taught me to play golf and gin and only charged me a couple of thousand dollars but he sprinkled the lessons with wit and laughter.
I’ll miss him but he will always be in my mind and heart. I hope you all find some peace soon knowing memories can’t die.
Joe B. Jones
I was so sorry to hear this news. Your dad was the BEST. A great mentor. He always made me feel like a part of the family. I quote him to every new employee that comes through my door. He will be missed for sure!!!
I have so much I could and want to say but no more is needed than to say how much I loved this man and he was the best Best Man anyone could have hoped for. I love you Chuck.
To Bryan and family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Hedges. We send our condolences and prayers for comfort and strength in your time of loss. May God bless you and keep you near.
Yvonne, Laura, Scott, Blake, Bryan and family- We are sorry for your loss! Our family is proud to be a part of the Hedges’ family circle of friends where Chuck was always the ringleader. Chuck was constantly generous with a story, some thoughtful advice and sincere interest in our lives. He will be missed. Mark Douglas & family
So sorry to hear of your loss Bryan. Thinking of you and your family
Yvonne, Laura, Scott, Blake,and Bryan,
Ron and I were deeply saddened to learn of
Chuck’s passing. We have so many great memories – Happy Hours at Mom and Dad’s house, buying our first home from Chuck, hearing all the great golf stories, observing some terrific bridge games, grandchildren playing with our children, only to name a few. He will be missed by many. Our love and prayers go out to all of you. Ron and Kathy Baker
Many of my favorite memories, were created by you, Uncle Chuck. You always had everyone’s back, inspired laughter, told meaningful stories, loved Yvonne beyond measure, and raised wonderful children into this world. I can picture you with your Mom and Dad, and my Mother, your sister, Betty. I wonder if you all are, sitting on a cloud, playing Pitch ? You have been a blessing to this world, and loved by so many…..Your rest, now, is well deserved.
Thank you very much to everyone who has called, sent text messages, or posted condolences! We appreciate it very much. Our family misses him so much while we also are looking forward to celebrating the life of Charles “Chuck” Hedges with you at the end of February. More information to come. Thank you for all the love and kind support. Love, the Hedges Family.
A kind, wonderful and great friend of our family. A perfect gentlemen with great love for his family. We will miss him so very much and I will always remember Fourth of July parties at Lone Star. Sending prayers to all of the family. We love you all!
To Mrs. Yvonne Hedges, Laura, Scott, Blake, and Bryan, and the rest of the Hedges Family – My most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Chuck Hedges. I have such fond memories of him growing up in Lawrence. Taking me along to sporting events – Big 8 Holiday Basketball Tournament, KU Games, etc. I recall going to my first NFL Game, Chiefs at Municipal Stadium with he and Scott, sitting in the end zone, cold, raining, and loving every minute of it. He and my Dad running our Cub Scout “Webelos” troop when we were in 6th Grade. So many others as well. When I think of Mr. Hedges (as I’ll always know him as) I think of the fun outings he graciously included me in with Scott in my youth. From my family to yours, Jim Bussell