Wilbur Bee Hedrick

Will Hedrick, beloved husband, father, and grandpa, returned home on December 11, 2004 at the age of 72. He was born on November 25, 1932 in Marysville, ID. His death marked the end of a valiant, 9-year struggle with the crippling effects of a major stroke. At the time of his passing, Will was surrounded by loved ones, including his eternal sweetheart and dedicated caregiver, Erlene. Will graduated from schools in Ashton, ID, where he excelled in the sport of boxing. His family owned a farm west of the Grand Tetons. He loved the view of these peaks from the farm. His love of God and the history of this country caused him to weep at the sight of the American flag. His patriotism caused him to join the Army Reserve in 1951. He became a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army, Second Infantry Division, and served in Korea until December 1954. Will entered Utah State University in 1956, where he was active in school and fraternity sporting events. He was a life long member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and has remained close to his fraternity brothers and their families. He has been a member of the Big Blue Club and USU Alumni Association for many years. He married his USU sweetheart, Erlene Gordon, on May 19, 1960 in the Logan Temple. They graduated together two weeks later. Their first teaching positions were in Tooele, UT, and Will later taught at Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City. Will and Erlene raised their three children in Perry, UT. Will later became the Base Education Officer at Hill Air Force Base and retired in 1994 after 30 years of government service. Will and Erlene returned to Cache Valley in 1997. Will loved his family dearly and was very proud of their accomplishments. As a young child on the family farm, he learned to work, and taught his children the value of hard work. If Will committed to do something, he made it happen, regardless of personal sacrifice. He and Erlene instilled this philosophy in their children. Will was an avid sports enthusiast and encouraged athletes of all ages to excel. Sports teams of his alma mater enjoyed devotion rivaled only by his commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. A lifetime of service in the LDS Church humbled and refined him, and prepared him for many challenges at the close of his life. He served in the bishopric in Perry Second Ward, was a Stake High Councilor and Stake Young Men?s President in the Brigham City South Stake, and Stake Mission President in the Willard Stake. His most spiritually rewarding calling was as an ordinance worker in the Ogden Temple, where he served until the time of his stroke in 1995. Will was preceded in death by his parents, Bee Wilbur Hedrick and Eva Elizabeth Glover, and his parents-in-law, William Earl Gordon and Pearl M. Petersen Gordon. He is survived by his wife, Erlene, of Smithfield, UT; a daughter, Teresa Hedrick Rogers of Gilbert, AZ; and sons, Gordon Bee Paulette Hedrick of South Jordan, UT, and Kirk A. Michele Hedrick of Perry, UT; his younger sister, Lois A. Robert Riley of Boise, ID; and a younger brother, Norman E. Mary Hedrick of Salt Lake City, UT. Will?s 12 grandchildren will miss his funny facial expressions, unique sense of humor, and rides on his lawnmower and scooter. Many of their names honor Will?s ancestors and his hometown of Ashton: Patrick William, Chelsea Elizabeth, Kimball James, and Mariah Rose Rogers of Gilbert, AZ; Spencer Gordon, Krista Nicole, Adam William, and Brock Ashton Hedrick of South Jordan, UT; and Zachary Kirk, Kassidy Brooke, Bridger Ashton, and Maguire Tate Hedrick of Perry, UT. Will?s primary care provider, Mary Orians, FNP, sacrificed countless hours rendering compassionate care for seven years, and became a dear friend. Will?s family wishes to express their appreciation to staff of Vista Care Hospice and Sunshine Terrace, who made his departure a peaceful and spiritual experience. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18 at the Smithfield 16th Ward, 625 E. 600 S., Smithfield. Friends and family may call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 17 at Nelson Funeral Home at 85 S. Main St. in Smithfield, or prior to services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the 16th Ward chapel. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery, where Military Honors will be accorded by VFW Post 1695 Honor Guard. Will?s casket will be draped with a flag that flew over the nation?s capital. Friends and family will release 72 navy blue USU balloons into the heavens as a final tribute to this True Aggie.