Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cater Funeral Home on Dec. 11, 2025.
Joseph Alan "Joe" Heddinghaus, of
Moberly, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Joe was born October 4, 1965 to Maurice "Moe" & Shirley Heddinghaus in
Moberly, Missouri. He attended school at St. Pius X through 8th Grade then attended Moberly High School graduating in 1984.
Joe was the proud Dad of Emmalee and her husband Alex Foster of Columbia, MO. He cherished Emmalee so very much. Joe was the husband of Sherry Rogers Heddinghaus. They married July 4, 2012. With that marriage Joe became the stepdad to Brad & Jeni of Clark, MO, Ryan & Kimber of Higbee, MO and Danielle of Higbee, MO. Joe was Papaw to Brytin, Lyla, Spencer, Tinley, Dillon & Reese. He's also survived by his mother Shirley Heddinghaus, his siblings: Larry Heddinghaus and his wife Rebecca, Donna Fainter and her husband Tracy, and Michael Heddinghaus; his mother-in-law Becky Rogers; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his father "Moe" Heddinghaus, his father-in-law Kenneth Rogers and other relatives.
Joe proudly served the United States Marine Corps from September 11, 1984 through September 10, 1988. Joe attended Boot Camp in San Diego, California. Upon completion of Boot Camp Joe attended his MOS 1345 Engineer Equipment Operator School in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for 9 weeks. Joe then reported to his home base at Camp Lejeune, NC. Joe often spoke of his travels and the sights he saw and participated in during his days with the Marine Corp. He greatly enjoyed his off base activities where he was able to attend many concerts and see so many special places such as going to Germany which is the place of his family heritage. Joe beamed and talked often of HIS assigned Road Grader being part of the filming of the Movie - Heartbreak Ridge (1986): Filmed partly at Camp Lejeune, for its Grenada invasion scenes.
Joe was deployed to the Mediterranean in 1985. During Joe's deployment he spoke highly of walking the path of Jesus in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. A special gift that he brought back during that trip was a Nativity for his parents. Joe was in West Germany during the Cold War between 1985–1988. He was so proud of his USMC service. Joe received medals, decorations, and badges such as Expert Rifle Badge, Good Conduct Medal & Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award). Joe was Honorably Discharged with the Rank of LCpl E3 on September 10, 1988 and in the Reserves until September 10, 1990.
Joe returned to his home in
Moberly, MO in 1988 and went to work at Heddinghaus Sheet Metal - Heating & Air Conditioning - his Family's Business as an HVAC installer, where he worked until 2015. Joe then went to work at Moberly Special Road District for several years as a Heavy Equipment Operator - that was his passion since his Marine Corp days. Joe later worked for the State of Missouri - MoDot in Moberly as a Heavy Equipment Operator for several years and then he transferred to another State of Missouri position - Maintenance Supervisor I at Moberly Correctional Center.
Joe adored his children and grandchildren, often having weekend gatherings around a bonfire and truly enjoying family time. Joe loved music, Nascar, Mizzou Football & the Kansas City Chiefs. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson taking many trips with his daughter and later with his wife, Sherry. Joe loved to travel and often visited Civil War sites and Museums. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The
American Cancer Society or a
charity of your choice in Joe's honor.
In keeping with his request, private services honoring Joe's life with Military Honors were held at the Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery Shelter, followed by burial.