Robert James Hedge

Robert James Hedge, 74, passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital, Joplin Mo., on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at 12:33 am. He was surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born January 27, 1951, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Bob and Wilma Hedge. Robert graduated in 1969 from Carthage High School. Later that year, he met Zoe Ann Jack, who turned out to be the love of his life. Whom he married on December 4, 1970. Robert and Zoe met at a dance at Memorial Hall in Carthage Mo., which ironically was the same venue that Robert's parents Bob and Wilma met at many years earlier. From this union, two children were born, Ozrelle, in 1982, Zayre in 1991. Robert was employed at Schreiber Foods for 45 years. During this time, he made many lifelong friends. He retired in 2015. Robert had many passions in life. Corvettes, Cowboys, and Coffee, to name a few. His love of Corvettes began at age 9, when his aunt took him for a ride in her 1963 split window coupe. When she chirped the tires for him, he was hooked and knew he would someday own a corvettes of his own. Little did he know that over the course of his life, he would own 12 corvettes and always wishing for one more. He was considered a regular attendee of all the local car shows and cruise nights. Some of his favorite times were attending multiple Bloomington Gold Corvette Shows, where he was in corvette heaven. From this passion arose a small business, dealing in corvette parts and car hauling trailers called Parts is Parts. Robert was a founding member of Diamond States Corvette Club; active member Four States Vettes and National Council of Corvette Owners. A former member of Vintage Rods. A current member of nights of Pythias. As many of you know, Robert never met a stranger and made many friends wherever he went. People loved Robert for his genuine personality. He valued a strong work ethic and tried to instill it in his family and friends through his famous "dollars and cents" speech. (If you haven't heard the speech, ask any of his family members) lol! Throughout retirement, he could be found at Maple Leaf Coffee House with his buddies, trying to solve the world problems. After an exhausting morning of debate, he could be found most afternoons snuggled up with his puppy dog watching cowboy movies. Robert is survived by his wife, Zoe, of nearly 55 years. Daughter Ozrelle Hendricks. Son Zayre Hedge. Grandchildren, Zaden, Zoë, Zeb. Great granddaughters, Zaylee and Zara. Siblings, Joan and Jon Hedge. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert (Bob) George Hedge, Wilma Mae (Montgomery) Hedge. Neice, Teisha Devins, Great nephew, Jordan Brock. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2:00 -5:00 pm at One16 Event Center, 310 South Jackson (corner of Jackson & Judd) Diamond, Mo. 64840 Join us for some of Robert's favorites, Chili dogs, and Frito pies, being served on a Chili bar.

Robert James Hedge

January 27, 1951 - October 29, 2025