Stephen J. Hedges

Dr. Stephen Joseph Hedges

passed away October 31st, 2014, at the age of 66, ending an adventurous life distinguished by the pursuit of wisdom, a commitment to service, a thirst for travel, the appreciation of music and craftsmanship, and most importantly, an extraordinary love for God and his family.

He was born to Carl Hedges and Ethel (Schellinger) Hedges who lovingly raised him in Michigan City, Indiana. He earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University Bloomington before journeying to California to acquire his graduate degree from Southern California College of Optometry in 1977. Doctorate in hand, he moved back to Indiana and embarked upon a notable career defined by enthusiastic learning and ardent stewardship. His devotion to providing exceptional eye care for his community at home and abroad spanned 35 years, opening practices in Danville and Indianapolis, Indiana. During this time he found enrichment through regularly visiting the homes of housebound patients, volunteering his services at many local schools and even traveling as far as Cartagena, Colombia with Bridges of Hope International to assist impoverished children in need of vision care. In 2012, he was named the national Private Practice Optometrist of the Year.

His commitment to service extended far beyond his practice in optometry. His parents had instilled in him a love for the Lord as a child, and he began taking full ownership of his faith upon returning to Indiana after graduate school. God soon provided him a loving and devoted wife in Suzy (Schuh) Hedges, and together they crafted a life serving and celebrating God's will. They attended Lakeview Church for 20 years, where he served in the Men's and Music ministries.

As a gifted multi-instrumentalist, worship leader, luthier, and ISO regular attendee, his life was further enriched and shaped by a fervent love of music. He had a deep fondness for bluegrass and old-time music in particular, which he shared with his father, and ultimately led him to the study of luthiery at Indiana University's School of Violin Building. Once there, he developed a knack for building and restoring fiddles, a craft that allowed him to donate instruments to school music programs and augmented a lifetime of joyful and passionate learning. He was also a lover of fine food, a terrific cook, and an eager traveler, having visited every state except Hawaii - tasting and exploring extraordinary cuisine all the while.

His legacy will be maintained by the family, friends, and patients whose lives he touched with singular tenderness and generosity. His zeal for life and learning are continued by his wife and children, Josh Hedges (and wife, Erin) and Sarah Hedges, who note his many unique ways of saying "I love you," and how he continued to grow more playful and affectionate even into his final days. Steve and Suzy created a family and a home so clearly defined by love that neither the dread of cancer nor the sting of death could overshadow the sweetness of their time together.

His family invites you to a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life at Lakeview Church, on the west side of Indianapolis, on Saturday, November 22nd at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bridges of Hope International to advance his legacy of vision care to those in need.