Wesley Edward Hedges

Wesley Edward Hedges of Saint Charles, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the age of 83. Beloved husband of the late Sally Hedges; cherished son of the late Mildred and Ernest Hedges; devoted father of Cynthia (David) Greising, Lynda (Robert) Molina, and Leslie (Doug Farrington) Hedges; loving grandfather of Wesley, Greta, and Claire Greising; Ann and Jacqueline Molina; Courtney (Eric) Crider; and Brannon, Jr, Charles, and Trent Champagne; and uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Wesley is also preceded in death by his daughter, Stacy (Brannon) Champagne, and his sister, Nancy (Roy) Kohrs.

Wes was a 1954 graduate of St. Charles High School, where he was a three-sport standout athlete. He attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., on an academic and athletic scholarship, played varsity basketball and baseball, and graduated in 1958. At Jewell, he met his wife, Sally, and they were married for more than 56 years, until her death in 2015. During his junior year of college, Wes played minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs organization and was a teammate and friend of Hall of Famer Billy Williams.

After college, Wes became a partner in Hedges & Hafer supermarkets, a business founded by his father, Ernie, and Charlie Hafer. Wes served as president and led expansion of the business. A strong presence in the St. Charles community as a business leader and volunteer, he served on the boards of local banks and was involved in many civic organizations, including Rotary Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles. He coached many St. Charles girls’ softball teams and was a member of the St. Charles County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame.

Wes also was a longtime, active member of the First United Methodist Church. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, including nine grandchildren, and attending their sporting events and other activities. His humor and big personality will be missed by many.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wesley’s name to the First United Methodist Church of St. Charles.