DECATUR — W. Robert Hedgcock, 94, of Decatur, passed away on January 30, 2023, in Decatur. 

Robert was born on September 3, 1928, in Paris, Ill., the son of John H. and Virginia (McCaskill) Hedgcock.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. He graduated from the University of Illinois- Urbana and was a teacher at Rantoul High School, principal of Wapella Junior and Senior High Schools, and retired as the superintendent of the Wapella School District.

Robert was a member of the Clinton Presbyterian Church, where he was the choir director for 11 years and served as an elder. He was an Eagle Scout and was scoutmaster of Troop 12 in Urbana for 15 years. He was Past Master of the Clinton Masonic Lodge, a member of the Scottish Rite, the Clinton Kiwanis Club and Gideons International. He also began as a member and treasurer of the DeWitt County Red Cross board of directors.

Robert’s passion was the barbershop quartet singing. He was a 60- year member of the International Barbershop Harmony Society and sang in numerous quartets and choruses. 

Robert married Naomi Ruth Harner on May 10, 1953, in Champaign. She preceded him in death in November 1989. He then married Joan Jean (Dearduff) Barr on April 18, 1993, in Clinton. She preceded him in death in November 2022. 

Robert is survived by his sons, Ron (Shelli) Hedgcock, of Crystal Lake, Ill., Todd Hedgcock, of Marengo, Ill.; brother, Frank (Mary) Hedgcock, of Bloomington, Minn.; grandchildren, Sarah Hedgcock, Ronald Hedgcock II; step-daughter, Janice (Kevin) Taylor; stepsons, Jeff (Laurie) Barr, and Jim (Bonnie) Barr; step grandchildren Matti (Luke) Roberts, Erin Barr, Riley (Peyton) Barr, Collin (Kelsey) Barr, Spencer Barr; step great grandchild, Elanor Grace Barr. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, David, brother, John, and sister, Mary Lou Kurtz.

A service will be held on February 11, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home with a visitation an hour prior. A burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, in Clinton, will follow services. 

Memorials to the Harmony Foundation International, 110 7th Avenue, North Ste 200, Nashville, TN 37203.

Condolences and memories of Robert may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com