Stephen M. Hedges Sr.

Stephen M. Hedges Sr., age 68, of Lakeville and formerly of Brockton passed peacefully with his children by his side on January 27th.
Stephen was the loving son of the late Stephen and Olivia (Bowley) Hedges and grew up in Brockton. He was a graduate of Southeastern Regional Technical School, Class of 1975 and worked as a laborer for over 35 years. Stephen worked at the Quincy Ship Yard as a rigger before embarking on a 35 year career with Laborers Local 138. Stephen was always proud of the prime years of his career when he,his son and his friends essentially helped build Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place. Stephen made many great friends during his career before retiring in 2019.
Stephen raised his children Stephen and Rebecca with his former wife Janis Hedges in Brockton. He always made sure they had whatever they needed and rarely, if ever,missed a day of work. Stephen had a passion for the outdoors and he shared the passion of rabbit,deer and fowl hunting with his son Stephen.
Later in life, when he moved to Lakeville, Stephen started his own mini farm with horses, goats, peacocks, ducks,turkeys, chickens, cows, pigeons and pigs. Stephen enjoyed having family and friends over for cookouts and always enjoyed watching them interact with the animals. Stephen was a longtime beagle breeder and was a longtime member of the Beaver Brook Beagle Club. He also enjoyed country music, especially Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Sr., and Chris Stapleton. One of the highlights of his summers was attending concerts with his daughter Rebecca.
Stephen was unpredictably funny, kind hearted, and STUBBORN but he certainly will be missed by all who knew him.
Stephen leaves his son Stephen Hedges Jr. of Lakeville,Rebecca (Becky)Hedges and her partner Shaun Murphy of Raynham, their loving mother Janis (Ingargiola) Hedges and is predeceased by his daughter Laurie (Lane) Rodrigues. Proud "Papa" of Olivia Pratt, Makenzie Murphy, and Jack Murphy. Loving brother of Deborah (Hedges) Valler of Port Charlotte Fl, Roger Hedges and his wife Julie of Naples Fl, Donna (Hedges)Poillucci and Husband Richard of Easton MA, and Kathy (Hedges)Sampson and husband Francis of Walpole,NH. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends.
All are cordially invited to the Chapman Funerals and Cremations, 98 Bedford St. Bridgewater for a visitation on Sunday Feb. 9th from 2pm-5pm. A funeral home service will be held on Monday Feb. 10th at 10:00am followed by a burial at Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater.