Photo courtesy of Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home
Jun 23, 1949 - Feb 11, 2026 (Age 76)
Pee wee is my cousin. He was a good man he will be missed even though I have not seen him in a while he has been on my mind at times. My thoughts is with his family. With Love Lee cook
Lee Cook/ Bill and Dolly son
February 16, 2026 | Family
The best uncle/pawpaw I could have ever asked for I’ll miss you for a long time I’ll see you when we meet again
Charles Mcbee
February 14, 2026 | Frankfort, KY | Family
Grief can be so hard, but our special friendship will always be a lasting memory. We enjoyed so many years together. I am forever grateful that we were able to share our stories with each other. Until we meet again.
Donna Gay
February 14, 2026 | Frankfort, KY | Friend
Remembered By
Bobbie Hughes
February 13, 2026 | Frankfort, KY | Friend
Heavenly Heights Bouquet
Aunt Sandra and Uncle Jerry
February 13, 2026
Uncle Donald was a wonderful uncle. Loved me like I was his own daughter.
Tammy Payton
February 12, 2026 | Pleasureville, KY | Family
Dear Thelma I am so sorry for your loss as I know he was your light in this world. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with you and the family
Cherie Armstrong
February 12, 2026 | Frankfort, KY | Friend
Donald Paul “Pee Wee” Hedden, 76, born to Julia Francis Cook Hedden and Harold “Baldy” Hedden on June 23, 1949. He left this world to arrive in the arms of his Savior on February 11, 2026.
Donald was born a twin to his late sister Dorothy Pauline “Peanut” Rowland. He was married to the love of his life Thelma Payton Hedden on June 29, 1973. They were married for 52 ½ years.
Donald was survived by his wife Thelma Hedden; daughters Susan and Jennifer (Chuck) Hedden all of Frankfort. Granddaughters Carly (PJ) Hollon and Emma Grace Hedden all of Frankfort. Bonus grandchildren Joshua Harper (Hannah) of Frankfort, Charles McBee of Lima, OH, and Kora Manley (Blake) of Lawrenceburg. Great grandchildren, Colton Paul Hollon and Cassandra Hollon, of Frankfort. Bonus great grandchildren Cynthia, Trenton and Melony Manley, of Lawrenceburg. Sisters-in-law Tammy McCane (Ricky) of Goshen, KY; Mary Downey, of Sulfur, KY; and Nancy Payton (Darrell), of IN. Brother-in-law George Payton (Tamela), of Sulfur, KY. Special aunts Jane Wright, of Lexington and Mary Jane “Bunny” Riley, of Sulfur. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister and brother Harold “Toby” Hedden.
He also leaves behind some very special caregivers, Linda and the staff of Cottage 202 at the VA CLC Hospice Unit.
Donald retired from Franklin County Fiscal Court where he dedicated much of his career as caretaker of Lakeview Park. He also worked as a bus driver and maintenance at Frankfort Independent Schools for many years as well as a service driver for Crossroads Ford-Lincoln-Mercury. He was a faithful and loyal member of the Franklin County Fairboard for over 20 years.
Donald gave his all to his family and work to leave a loving and hard work ethic behind as his legacy. He was always willing to help anyone out in a time of need.
Funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, 480 Duckers Rd., Midway, KY. Pastor Todd Lester will officiate the service. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 4 – 6 PM at the church.
Burial with military honors will be held on Wednesday, February 18th at Camp Nelson National Cemetery at 11:00 AM
Serving as pallbearers will be Charles McBee, Joshua Harper, Patrick Hollon, Sr., Scott “Nubs” Hollon, Paul Allen Rearden, Blake Manley, Bo Rowland, and Jeremy Smith. Honorary bearers will be Patrick “PJ” Hollon, Emma Grace Hedden, Cassandra Hollon, Trenton Manley, Cynthia Manley, Melony Manley, and Ricky McCane.
Memorials in memrory of Donald "PeeWee" Hedden are suggested to Bluegrass Care Navigators, 643 Teton Trail, Frankfort, KY 40601 or Kentucky Honor Flight
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, KY. Condolences to the family may also be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com.
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