Clifford O'Neal Hedges, 80, of Madisonville, KY, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.

He was born on May 26, 1943, in Louisville, KY, to the late Nora Wiseheart Hedges and E.C. Hedges. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany from 1966 to 1968. He was formerly employed as a machinist at Lebo Company. He was a foster parent for forty years where he had loved and nurtured hundreds of children.  Clifford was a member and deacon for Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of forty-eight years, Shirley Hedges; and his daughter, Freda Hedges Conrad.

Survivors include his daughters, Rita Hedges and Millie Hedges, both of Madisonville, and Alice (Jeff) Wilson of Ashland, KY; sons, Cory Hedges, Cody Hedges, and Shaun (Danielle) Thurby, all of Madisonville; brother, Ralph Hedges of Chicago, IL; son-in-law, Kirk Conrad of Madisonville; several grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 1213 Rose Creek Road, Madisonville, KY, with Pastor Neil Kolody officiating. Military honors will be conducted graveside by the Hopkins County Honor Guard. Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.