Ronald Lee Hedrick

Ronald Lee Hedrick, 79, of Willard, passed away Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. He was born May 8, 1942, in St. Louis, the son of late Leland Hedrick and Joyce (Campbell) Hedrick.
Hedrick graduated in 1961 from Roosevelt High School, St. Louis. He attended St. Louis Baptist College and Meramec Community College where he studied Commercial Art. In 1965, he enlisted in the National Guard Reserves, serving six years. He married Barbara G. (Welsh) on Nov. 26, 1966. He started working as a commercial artist for the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Jan. 1, 1967, as a civilian employee. He had a calling to become a Missouri State Trooper and graduated from the Missouri Highway Patrol Academy in May 1971. He retired from the Missouri Highway Patrol as a sergeant in 1998.
Hedrick is survived by his wife of 54 years Barbara, son, Douglas (DJ) and Janice and son Daniel and Traci; and four grandchildren.
Hedrick served as a deacon at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, and taught Sunday School.
Visitation was from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at Second Baptist Church in Springfield. In celebration of his life, service will immediately follow the visitation. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the American Cancer Society is recommended.