Benton Hedges

Benton Hedges, age 91, of Portland passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Prairie Lakes Nursing Facility in Noblesville, Indiana. 

He was born in Fifty-Six, Arkansas, on July 15, 1933, the son of Thurman and Letcie (Haney) Hedges. He was married on June 1, 1952, to Norma Lou Zerkel and she passed away on Feb. 26, 2017. 

Benton was retired from Teledyne Portland Forge and had worked at Walmart as a greeter. He was a 1951 Portland High School graduate, attended The Rock Church and was a member of Moose Lodge. Benton enjoyed playing country and bluegrass music, playing the guitar and harmonica. He also enjoyed woodworking.

Surviving are one son, Bruce Hedges (wife: Heather) of Fishers, Indiana; two sons-in-law, Mark Craig of Thomasville, Georgia, and Tom Baldauf of Portland; one brother, Adlie Hedges (wife: Marilyn) of Idaho; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by daughters June Craig and Sheila Baldauf; and brother Ruben Hedges.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Ransom presiding. Burial will follow in the Green Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Memorials can be made to the Jay County Heart Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.