Lowell Dickey Hedges passed away on June 21, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Lowell Dickey Hedges lived a life marked by faith, service, and innovation as he went to be with the Lord at the age of 87. He was born on November 21, 1937 to William and Lois Hedges. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Beulah Mae Wells (Hedges) on August 16, 1964 in Farmer City, Illinois.
Lowell earned his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign, setting the foundation for a distinguished career in aerospace and defense. Lowell began his professional journey with Magnavox in Champaign but spent the majority of his career with Lockheed Missiles and Space, contributing to national defense efforts across Texas, California, Colorado, and Nebraska. He retired in Omaha, Nebraska, after decades of dedicated work and tremendous respect from all who worked with him.
A man of many interests, Lowell was an avid aviator who rebuilt his own airplane. He enjoyed snow skiing in Colorado and spent winter months fishing in Florida, embracing the outdoors with enthusiasm and curiosity. He poured into his family his love for camping, cars, and almost anything and everything that had a motor or could be repaired. He shared his interests and every moment he lived, he passed down his heritage and love of life.
His commitment to community and faith was unwavering. He served as a deacon in Southern Baptist churches in Castle Rock and Parker, Colorado, and played a vital role in church planting efforts in both Castle Rock and Parker, Colorado. His integrity & character and strength in the Lord resonated with everyone around him. Lowell was godly, loving, caring, compassionate, giving, brilliant and an earthy role model to so many throughout his wonderful life.
In retirement, Lowell returned to Illinois to care for family, later relocating to Kernersville, North Carolina, and most recently to Naples, Florida. He was a tremendous dad and gave sacrificially of his time and energy and devotion to his family and was the most wonderful grandfather to his two grandchildren. He spent his retirement years the way he wanted them to be spent as he lived to enjoy his time with Beulah, be able to be a wonderful dad to all his children and the best grandparent he could be.
He was preceded in death by his parents: William Fulton Hedges, a Baptist Pastor and church planter, and Lois Dickey Hedges, his brother: William Curtis Hedges, and his sister: Mary Clare Hedges.
Lowell is survived by his beloved wife, Beulah Mae Wells Hedges; his brother, Leonard Curtis Hedges; and three sons: Lowell Douglas Hedges of Weston, Florida, Lester Dwight Hedges of Kernersville, North Carolina, and L. Daniel Hedges of Divide, Colorado. He also leaves behind his wonderful daughter in law, Tammy Hedges and two cherished grandsons, Matthew Hedges and Bryson Hedges, of Virginia.
Lowell will be remembered for his strength of character, devotion to his wife and family, his deep faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the legacy of love and service he leaves behind.
A Memorial Service for Lowell Dickey Hedges will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL. Immediately following the Memorial Service, a graveside ceremony and interment will be held at Arrington Prairie/Dickeyville Cemetery in Sims, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org.
Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com
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