Joshua Ray Hedges – Davis Funeral Home

Joshua Ray Hedges, age 35, of La Grange, MO passed away, Friday, January 3, 2025 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Josh was born August 5, 1989 to Dennis Hedges and Sandy Meehan in Quincy, IL. He married Danielle Wilson on October 24, 2015 in Bethalto, IL.

Josh graduated from Highland High School in Ewing, Mo in 2008. Josh worked many years as a heavy equipment operator, spending most of his time at MB Construction. Josh had a deep love for operating any piece of equipment he could jump on and teaching others how to do the same. He took pride in ensuring you never knew your yard had been disturbed when on a job. When he wasn’t on a piece of equipment, he was hunting. Whether it was deer season or coyote season, he was prepared. He had the best of hunting buddies, his favorites included those who called him Dad. He enjoyed having the quiet moments of sitting in the woods or having his daughters “whispering” next to him or the joy of chasing a coyote with his brother, nephews, Dad, his daughters, and a few good buddies by his side.

Josh overcame many challenges in his life to show the world what strength, courage, and grit looked like. Most wouldn’t know he was facing conflict as he ensured others were first. To know Josh was to know what fierce love and passion was. He could always make you smile and when he loved, he loved deeply. Always worried about his family and friends and ensuring they were taken care. He would brave any storm or situation, to ensure you were safe, taken care of, and needs were met. Josh was the person you could lean into with all your secrets, and he would give you the advice you were seeking. When times were tough, his wife would remind him, as he was continuing to journey into his faith, that “The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is my stronghold of my life, whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1.

Josh fought his cancer until the very end. He was not going to let his cancer hold him back, he continued to attend as many activities as he could through his journey. He was the best pitcher and assistance coach to his wife for his daughters t-ball team(s), even quick to hug all the littles who needed it on the field; cheered loudly on the sidelines when not pitching; sideline coaching basketball; supporting his daughters and niece for school plays; and smile as big as he could smile during cheerleading. His family brought him the most joy anyone could feel. If he wasn’t watching his own children play, you could find him at his niece and nephew’s events, especially watching “his boys” play football. He was so proud of all their accomplishments. If he wasn’t on a field or in the stands watching; he loved to watch college and professional football with his daughters, brother, and nephews. He especially loved watching the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

Josh is survived by his wife, Danielle Hedges and three daughters, Hadley (8), Kennady (6), and Emersyn (3); parents Dennis Hedges and Sandy (Denny) Meehan; siblings Jenny (Rick) Mead and Jake (Erin) Hedges; nieces and nephews, Ethan (Elizabeth), Elijah (Devan), Hannah Mead and Jace, Dawson, Dayn, Elin Hedges; great niece and nephew, Veronika and Dominik Mead. Numerous Aunts/Uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Barabra Cramsey, paternal grandparents, Ralph and Opal Hedges, and beloved niece, Sydney Mead.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Canton, MO with Pastor Brian Stone officiating. Burial will be in Mark’s Cemetery, La Grange, MO. Visitation will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Canton, MO.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Josh Hedges Memorial Fund or to Blessing Foundation for Hospice in care of Davis Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, La Grange, MO 63448.

Online condolences may be left at www.davis-fh.com

Pallbearers will be: Jake Hedges, Jace Hedges, Dawson Hedges, Dayn Hedges, Ethan Mead, Elijah Mead, Trevor Rossmiller, and Evan See.