Oct. 15, 1935 - Sept. 28, 2009

John R. Hedges, Jr. of Eagle River died of natural causes Sept. 28, 2009, in Anchorage.

A celebration of life will be held Nov. 7, 2009, at Community Covenant Church, at 1 p.m. Funeral services and burial took place in Arizona on Oct. 5, 2009.

He was born Oct. 15, 1935, to John Rueben Hedges, Sr. and Lillie Naomi King in Miles, Texas.

As a child John moved to Arizona in 1939 and graduated from Valley Union High School in Elfrida, Ariz., and attended college at the University of Arizona. He also went to Kirksville Teachers College in Kirksville, Miss. He returned to Arizona where he lived until 1990 when he made his home in Alaska.

He spent many years working on offshore drilling rigs and enjoyed seeing many countries around the world; he especially enjoyed his trips to Russia, but was always happy to get home to Alaska.

Hedges is survived by Ellen his wife of 35 years, son Tim (Deanna), daughter Sherri (Chuck), grandchildren Dallas, Amber (Zack), Jacob (Brittney), great-grandchildren Zoey, Khloe and Corbin, brother Dale and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son Steven Anthony and parents J.R. and Lillie

Arrangements were made by Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory of Willcox, Ariz.