Obituaries
Obituary: Melvin DeWayne Hedden
A proud veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War passes away at 76.
Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory
Melvin DeWayne Hedden
"Mel"
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Melvin DeWayne Hedden, age 76, of Shorewood, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home with his family by his side.
Mel was born on December 30, 1944 in Ottawa, IL to the late Carroll and Mary Bell (nee Westerhold) Hedden, and was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed a prosperous career at Caterpillar, Inc., where he worked for over 40 years as a Design Engineer and Systems Architect.
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Mel “Road Runner” was a lifetime member and former State Representative of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. He served as Commander of the Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2081, and other memberships included the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Patriot Guard Riders.
Driven by a life of service, Mel would go out of his way to help anyone at any time. He enjoyed solving problems by utilizing his construction, engineering, and technology skills. He was also a highly skilled motorcyclist seeking adventures from coast to coast on his bike.
Surviving are his loving wife, Annette Hedden; one daughter, Allison (Armando) Cisneros of Plainfield, IL; one son, David (Susan) Hedden of New City, NY; and two sisters, Carolyn (Jim) Bakalar and Sandi (Tom) Hassler.
Visitation for Mel Hedden will be held Monday, March 8, 2021 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, (at Essington Road), Joliet. Face masks and social distancing will be required. Due to attendance limitations, funeral services will be private. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded under the auspices of the United States Army.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, IL via their website at www.middleeastconflictswallmemorial.org.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory or story.
