Photo courtesy of Taylor Funeral Home - Spencer
Oct 12, 1958 - Jan 28, 2026
I was so sorry to hear of David's passing. He was one of a kind. May God grant your family comfort during this difficult time.
Raetta Baker
February 07, 2026 | Spencer, WV | Classmate
David was my close friend for over 50 years. We bonded as teenagers, went to college together and remained friends afterwards. He was always looking for obscure facts about things and relished in telling everyone about them - perfect for an accomplished journalist. His just pride in his family was always on his mind and he obviously loved them dearly. We will all miss him greatly. I have no idea whom I will text or call when the next political or sports topic needing discussion comes up...
Edward Lance
February 06, 2026 | Asheboro, NC | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pauletta Wilson
February 02, 2026 | Jacksonville, FL | Classmate
A Life Well-Lived and Well-Loved. Sincere condolences and sympathies to Family and Friends. "Montani Semper Liberi" to our own hometown Mr. NewsOracle . Respectfully, WVU Frederick Alumni Chapter.
Mark A. Boggs
February 02, 2026 | FREDERICK, MD | Classmate
I consider David my friend of 30 years, and really appreciated his efforts with the award winning Roane Newspapers, and the hundreds of conversations we had about life, liberty and justice. No one could have done the papers better, God Bless, Bob Weaver
Bob Weaver
February 02, 2026 | Mt, Zion, WV | Friend
John and I will miss our conversations with David. He called the house many times to consult on certain matters and also used our computer skills many times, sometimes in a last- minute emergency, to get the paper out on time. Many times, we just sat around the copy room and chatted.
George and John Dudding
February 01, 2026 | Spencer, WV | Friend
I was so saddened to hear of David passing. I always enjoyed talking to him. Loved his wit and enjoyed his wisdom. So many of us will always remember him and he will never be forgotten. I always thanked him for his newspaper and well it was presented. R.I.P David and some day maybe I can hear all of your great stories. Condolences to Starr, his children and extended family. David was certainly one of a kind. Fly high!
Jane Wyatt
February 01, 2026 | Reedy, WV | Acquaintance
David J. Hedges
David Jarrett Hedges, lifelong resident of Spencer, former owner of Spencer Newspapers and Publisher of The Times Record and Roane County Reporter, diedWednesday, January 28th at the age of 67.
He was born in Spencer, son of the late G. Foster Hedges, Jr. and Mary Helen O’Conor Hedges. He graduated from West Virginia University and soon returned to Spencer where he raised his family while focusing on local journalism and public service. He served on multiple boards throughout the years, including the Roane County Chamber of Commerce, Roane General Hospital, Spencer Rotary Club, and West Virginia Press Association.
His weekly column, Between the Lines, often shared his reflections on life, family, and the local community. Under his leadership, the Times Record and Roane County Reporter were among the most decorated weekly newspapers in the state. His passion for local journalism led to The Times Record and Roane County Reporter being the first weekly newspaper to win the West Virginia Newspaper of the Year in both 2015 and 2016. In addition, David was awarded the Adam R. Kelly Premier Journalist Award in 2014, one of the highest honors bestowed by the West Virginia Press Association.
David, a dedicated member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, valued his family and friends beyond measure. His most cherished time was with those he loved. His dry humor was appreciated by many and his ability to recall memories and details others had long forgotten left people laughing—and wondering how he remembered such things.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a loyal follower of the WVU Mountaineers and the Cincinnati Reds. No matter what the outcome, David’s loyalty never wavered and provided spirited debate with family and friends.
Surviving include his wife, Starr Hedges; sons, Chad (Kim) Board, Andrew (Annie) Hedges; daughter, Marie Hedges; and five grandchildren, Caleb, Connor, Katelyn, Foster, and Xavier. In addition, he is survived by siblings, Daniel, Marilyn (William), Christine (Thomas), Mary (Josephier), John (Karen), Anne, and Katherine (Bruce), along with beloved nieces and nephews who always appreciated an Uncle David joke.
David also had a special relationship with his in-laws, Ola Jean Parsons and Donald (Shirley) Cole.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Gregory.
A Mass of Christian burial is set for 3 PM Tuesday, February 3rd at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with the Rev. Chet Artysiewicz from Glenmary officiating. Visitation will be at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Parish Hall from 11 AM – 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to support two of David’s passions: education and faith.
Donations may be made to the Roane County College Scholarship Foundation, Inc, c/o Paul Hughes, 804 Summit St, Spencer, WV or Holy Redeemer Catholic Church of Spencer.
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