Samuel Hedrick

Rosewood Heights—Samuel N. Hedrick, 90, passed away at 8:50 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2016 at his home.

Born Nov. 21, 1925 in Mt. Erie, Ill., he was a son of Wilson and Edna (Putney) Hedrick.

Mr. Hedrick retired as Master Chief of the U.S. Navy, serving his country from 1944-1968 during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War.  He later worked for the FAA as an electronic engineer. He was a member of the East Alton American Legion and the Wood River VFW.  He loved driving anywhere.  A strong and loving husband and father, he was a good provider for his family.  He always showed his big heart by his giving nature.  

He married Patricia Ann Jankowski March 2, 1985 in Wood River.  She survives.  Also surviving are a daughter, Sandra (Randy) Briggs of Belleville, step daughters Paulette (Danny) Turner of Alton, and Eva (Jeffrey) Horyn of Hartford; 2 sons, Sammy (Carolyn) Hedrick, Jr. of Tennessee, also a Navy veteran, Steven (Laura) Hedrick of Alabama, an A-6 pilot retired from the Navy, and a stepson, Raymond (Sally) Combs of East Alton; 15 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; a brother, James (Marge) Hedrick of Mt. Erie; 2 sisters, Wilma Gillard of Ohio and Jean and her husband Lionel Harris of Mt. Erie; and his first wife, Wilma (Vangilder) Hedrick of Belleville.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Vic Hedrick.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Paynic Home for Funerals, where Dr. Jim Kerr will officiate services at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion or the VFW.

Online guestbook and information available at www.paynicfh.com

Obit Provided By:
Paynic Home for Funerals