Taken from the World Herald:
HEDGE - Richard W. Col. USAF (Ret.), age 69, 11-13-04, Bellevue. Survived by wife, JoAnne; son, Richard M. and wife Brigette, Fayetteville, AR; daughters, Melinda Jo and husband Michael Jackson, Kathy Ann and husband Gary Smith, both of Oklahoma City, OK; sister, Barbara McClain, Greencastle, IN; 3 grandchildren, Trent Jilge, Patrick Jilge and Christopher Jackson; special friend, Regis Urschler, Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Nebraska Humane Society.
Dick Hedge's untimely and tragic death in the crash of his plane on Saturday, 13 November, was the lead story on the three Omaha TV networks on Sunday's evening newscasts, and was the subject of articles in the Omaha World-Herald (Nov 15) and Bellevue Leader (Nov 17) in addition to the usual obituaries. Reg Urschuler, Dick's best and closest friend was prominent in the interviews, and to his credit, kept his composure.
On Wednesday, 17 November, a celebration of Dick's life/memorial service was held before a near capacity audience in the Offutt Capehart Chapel. Considerably more than half of the congregation were 55th SRW Assn members. The Assn lapel pin and/or ties were displayed by most of them.
Flags at Offutt were at half staff and the senior staff of the Wing was represented by Mrs Craig Koziol, wife of the wing CC, and Col and Mrs John Daly, Wing Vice CC. Additionally, there was a cluster of active duty in class As or flight suits.
After opening remarks by the 55th Wing Chaplain and the National Anthem, Urschuler recalled the history of and recited the poem "High Flight', followed by the reading of another poem, "Flyer's Heaven".
An emotional memorial reflection was given by Kathy Smith, Dick and Jo's youngest; Robb Hoover gave an eloquent remembrance; and Urschuler followed by reading a final personal letter to Dick reflecting on their forty year, deep friendship.
Scriptures, the 23rd Psalm, Lord's Prayer, and the Chaplain's homily were included.
A seven member Honor Guard did the flag folding ceremony and presentation to Jo; a 21 gun salute followed and Taps were played.
After the benediction, a bag piper wailed "Amazing Grace" as the crowd filed out.
Afterwards, a gathering for lunch maxed out the Bellevue VFW hall.
All in all, it was truly and exceptional was to honor Dick's life and memory. May he rest in peace.
Max (a fellow Hoosier, comrade in arms, and friend)