Loren O. Hedspeth

Loren O. Hedspeth, 97, of High Ridge, Mo., formerly of Route One Williamsville, Mo. died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 at Cedar Ridge Manor in Cedar Hill, Mo.

Mr. Hedspeth was born June 23, 1913 in Butler County, Mo. He was a former member of Black River Baptist Church, where he served in various capacities, and was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in High Ridge at the time of his death. Mr. Hedspeth was a retired farmer and community leader. He served on the board of Ozark Border Electric Coop and was active in farm organizations. He enjoyed spending time with his family and hunting.

On March 19, 1938 he married Emmalyne Dunnegan in Kennett, Mo. She survives.

Other survivors include a daughter, Bethabra (Donald) Bee of Fenton, Mo.; 2 granddaughters, Alexia (Scott) Weitzel and Shannon Bee all of St. Louis; 2 step-grandsons, Steve (Wendy) Bee of St. Louis and Dr. Christopher (Maureen) Bee of Fort Collins, CO; and a great-granddaughter, Vivian Weitzel and 8 step great-grandchildren as well as a host of other relatives.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Friday in the Chapel with Dr. William Hedspeth and the Rev. David Edwards and officiating. Burial will be at the City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.