Donald Hedgcoth

Donald Albert Hedgcoth, a cherished dad and grandpa, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 15, 2024 with his family by his side, having reached the age of 88 years, 3 months, and 22 days. Don, as most knew him by, was born in Black, Missouri, a son to the late Ira Hedgcoth and Goldie (Woolf) Hedgcoth.


Those who remain to treasure his memory include his two children: Tara Erp (husband, Mike) and Earl Eaves (wife, Mary); two grandchildren: Colten Wigger (wife, Ashley) and Dustin Eaves; two great grandchildren: Layla and Hayden; two siblings: Hershel Hedgcoth (wife, Brenda) and Verna Holtz; two bonus grandchildren: Natalee and Cameron. Don also leaves behind other special family members and friends.


In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Glenda Hedgcoth; his son, Ronnie Hedgcoth; and seven siblings: Verla, Jesse, Calvin, Earl, James, Marie, and Marvin; and many dear brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Don developed a strong work ethic at a young age which continued throughout his life. He often reflected on his memories of working in the log woods with his father, Ira, and spoke of the hard labor he endured beginning at 9 years old. After graduating from Lesterville High School in 1954, Don moved to St. Louis and went to worked for General Cable until he enlisted in the United States Army for two years. Following his service, Don returned back to St. Louis where he continued working for General Cable. He worked there a total of ten years including the two years in the Army. Don married the love of his life, Glenda Helms on May 5, 1962, and shared 58 years of life and love together.


Don and Glenda owned and operated the Bixby Store. There, Don ran a mechanic and tire shop. He loved tinkering with lawn mowers, small engines, and various machinery.

In 1979, Don and Glenda suffered a great loss when their son, Ronnie, passed away. Shortly after Ronnie’s passing, Don went to work for St. Louis Mines as a security guard to better provide for his family. Throughout his career, Don was also employed by the following companies: Boyles Brothers, Amax Maines, a local pallet mill, the Iron County Road Department, and MODOT, where he retired from.

Following his retirement from MODOT, he and Glenda purchased what was known as County Line Sanitation (a trash pick-up company). Together, they would run their trash route where they enjoyed many visits with their patrons at each stop. Don was a member of Viburnum Christian Church.

Don was known for his community garden. He grew enough vegetables to make sure all of his family and friends were cared for, Even if that meant Glenda having to can one more jar of tomatoes. In past times, Don enjoyed camping trips to Clearwater and visiting around the campsites. Above all, Don absolutely loved his family. He was a proud dad and papa and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren. He will forever be loved and greatly missed.


In remembering Don’s life, the family invites all who knew and loved him, to join them for a time of visitation at DeClue Funeral Home on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 12 pm until the time of his Funeral Service at 2 pm. Elder Mike Jarvis will be officiating his service. Interment and final prayers will follow at Boss Cemetery. Honoring Don by serving as pallbearers were Colten Wigger, Mike Erp, Earl Eaves, Dustin Eaves, Jeremy Hedgcoth, and Jimmy Helms. Honorary Pallbearers will be Hershel Hedgcoth and Kyle Hedgcoth.