Donnie Leeroy Hedgecock, age 56, of Udell passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

Donnie was born on May 9, 1968 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Phyllis (Jennings) and Jack Hedgecock Sr. He graduated from Moulton-Udell High School with the Class of 1986, and furthered his education in college, obtaining his associate’s degree. On March 2, 1988, Donnie joined the United States Army. During this time, he earned a qualification of Combat Engineer-12B30 MOS. He served his country faithfully, and was honorably discharged on March 4, 1991. On October 3, 2009, Donnie was united in marriage to Jamie Jo Babbitt.

After his military service, Donnie began working for Viskase in Centerville. He worked there for eight years before accepting a position at Alliant Energy as a meter reader. He worked his way up throughout the years, as a floor operator, journeyman, control room operator and finally retired as a shift supervisor after 15 years. In retirement, Donnie farmed cattle and corn.

Donnie was involved in many organizations including Moulton-Udell FFA Alumni, and a member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).

Donnie was a kind soul, who was always willing to help where and when he could. He took pride in donating to charities. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, grilling or smoking meats, shooting guns, watching his son play baseball at Moulton-Udell, cook-outs and spending time with family and friends, and playing with his dog, Jelly Bean.

Left to honor Donnie’s memory are his wife, Jamie Hedgecock; his mother, Phyllis Hedgecock; his wife's grandmother, Dorothy Smith; his children, Brittani, Dylan and Konnr Hedgecock; his grandchildren, Aria and Aurora; his siblings, Jack (Heidi) Hedgecock Jr., John Hedgecock and Tammie Hedgecock; his mother-in-law, Beverly Babbitt; his sister-in-law, Micki (Matt) Babbitt-Newlon; his brother-in-law, Shane (Patricia) Babbitt; as well as several nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

Donnie was preceded in death by his father, Jack Hedgecock Sr.; his father-in-law, Robert Babbitt; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00PM Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Terry Chapman officiating. Burial will follow the service at Denny Cemetery, near Moravia. Visitation will take place Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 10:00AM-12:00PM. Memorials may be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Tunnels to Tower or the Ronald McDonald House, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Hedgecock family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome