Charles Kenneth Ray Hedge

Charles Kenneth Ray Hedge, of Rolla, MO, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the age of 56.
He was born on August 24, 1969 in St. Louis, MO to the late George Alvin Ray Hedge and Jeannie Dianne (Shaw) Hedge Carico. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Scott Anthony Hedge; a nephew, Anthony Scott Hedge; and his grandmother, Nellie Fleming.
Our family artist has left us, I have no doubt that he will be helping God paint something breathtaking. His love for his children was boundless and inspiring. He was a quiet man and I never heard him speak ill of anyone, a true testament to his compassionate nature. He had a special bond with his grandmother, which was evident to everyone. A Rolla High School graduate of 1987, Chuck tried wrestling and was in the marching band percussion, even performing in the Orange Bowl Parade. For graduation, he received a Volkswagen Bug, which sparked his lifelong passion for cars, inspired by his dad's old vehicles and his time working at Memoryville. He pursued culinary school, sharing his delicious meals with us, before earning his degree in auto body, a true reflection of his dedication and perseverance. Chuck loved cars as much as Snap-on, and his joke was that he had worked everywhere. He enjoyed playing softball with his coworkers at Roger Adams and in the church league, spreading joy and camaraderie wherever he went. Kids, we fondly remember him teaching you to sit square and put your drink in the backyard, showing us his hand when you needed guidance, and the countless fun times we had playing with our cousins while growing up. The good and bad times we shared as siblings are etched in our memories, including the infamous fight with Scott but when Shawn shot the BB gun and hit Chuck in the arm. I'll never forget you, bougie brother, who took the longest to get ready, with multiple hot showers a day, a true character. We stood by each other, never ratting each other out, and instead, we'd all get spanked or sit on the couch together, a testament to our unbreakable bond. Thanks for starting the BMX trend, which brought us closer as a family, and your freestyle skills were truly unbeatable. I'll forever cherish the memories of you making the piano sing, thank you for the incredible memories, bub. From being kids yelling shotgun, you and Scott sure took that serious, even these last few years. We know you are no longer struggling, suffering and that will help ease this pain of losing you.
Above everything, he was an incredibly loving and proud father. His children were his absolute everything. He had a passion for creating unforgettable memories, taking us on weekend getaways to the Lake of the Ozarks, where we would cruise, fish, and explore Miner Mikes. He was always front and center with our school events, proudly sporting his custom-made t-shirts. We would often find ourselves at car shows and tractor pulls, which may not have been our first choice, but were always a blast. Dining out was a regular occurrence, as every activity seemed to revolve around sharing delicious meals together. Our secret dates were truly special. Friday nights were reserved for renting a movie and enjoying frozen lasagna, accompanied by an array of snacks that would last throughout the weekend. Every weekend was an opportunity to work on the Volkswagen, a project that brought him immense joy. He had a deep love for family time and took great pride in the quality time spent together. His affection for animals was simply heartwarming. Christmas Eve at Grandma Jeannie's and Papa Dons, The Halloweens at Aunt Jessie's neighborhood and Pine St then going to Alex's all because he wanted to be with his nieces and nephews and make memories with the cousins.
Chuck will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: his stepfather, Don Carico; five children, Alcion Smith Bandy (Jeremy) of Sullivan, MO, Mersadie Hedge of DeSoto, MO, Levi Hedge of Montgomery City, MO, Carsen Hedge of Lawson, MO and Tobias Hedge of Lawson, MO; one brother, Shawn Hedge (Sara) of Rolla, MO; a sister, Lorrita Mace (Daniel) of Rolla, MO; one grandchild, Ronni Bandy; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family.
A funeral service for Charles K.R. Hedge will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Pea Ridge Cemetery in Doolittle, MO. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in memory of Chuck are suggested to Phelps Hospice.