Rev. Harold E. Hedden, 89, of Rushville died at 8:45 p.m. Sept. 5, 2009, at his residence.Rev. Harold E. Hedden, 89, of Rushville died at 8:45 p.m. Sept. 5, 2009, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 28, 1920, in Merom, Sullivan County, Ind., a son of Cyrus S. and Cecile Reasor Hedden. He married Luella Meyer on Aug. 20, 1944, in Heltonville, Ind. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Richard Paul (and Susan) Hedden of Indianapolis, Ind.; two daughters, Norma Lee (and companion Sam Hutchinson) Werkheiser of Milan and Nancy (and Dennis) Rebman of Rushville; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Rev. Paul Hedden and Rev. Edgar Hedden.
He attended grade and high school in Sullivan, where he both graduated and made his decision to enter the ministry in 1939. He received associate in art degree from Evanston Collegiate Institute (now Kendall College) in Evanston in 1943; a bachelor of arts degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., in 1945; and a bachelor of divinity degree from Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston in 1950.
He received his local preacher’s license in 1940, and received full elder’s orders and membership in Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church (succeeding conferences Central Illinois — now Illinois Great Rivers Conference). He served two pastorates in Southern Indiana Conference before moving to Illinois in 1947. He served eight different pastoral appointments in Illinois from 1947 to 1986, before he took retired relationship.
While he served as a United Methodist pastor he had administrative responsibilities for all the churches he served. He worked on Conference Camping Committee and served as chairman for six years. He also served as both counselor and camp director for youth church camps of the conference.
He also worked in Boy Scouts of America. For six years, while serving as pastorate in Moweaqua, he was Cubmaster for the communities’ Cub Scouts.
He served part time in Faith United Parish in Rushville, since his retirement.
He first became acquainted with and a member of Illinois Audubon Society in 1974, when the Schuy-Rush Chapter of IAS was organized. He served as president of the chapter since 1988. He also served as chapter representative to IAS Board since 1987.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Rushville with Rev. Steve Pichaske officiating. Burial will follow in Rushville City Cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Preacher’s Aid Society and Benefits Fund, Schuy-Rush Chapter of Illinois Audubon Society or a United Methodist Church of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.