Obituary in the Las Vegas Review Journal
GERALD HEDDEN 3/22/1923 - 2/27/2007. Gerald Wayne Hedden died just shy of his 84th birthday. Gerald was born in Farmington, Ill., where relatives continue to reside. Throughout his life, Gerald enjoyed telling stories about life on a pig farm. Gerald attended University of Illinois for several years. He then served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was a member of "The Bombers" an Air Corps jazz band. Gerald later received a bachelor's degree at Bradley and a master's and doctorate of education at Stanford University. Gerald was a life time member of Phi Delta Kappa and also belonged to Kappa Delta Pi and Alpha Delta, fraternities. Gerald worked for many years in the educational system as a teacher, principal, administrator and later as the associate superintendent of Santa Barbara City Schools. An active member of Rotary, Gerald took pride in serving as president of North Santa Barbara Rotary. After he retired, Gerald continued to work for VISTA, AARP, and for UCSB. Gerald and his wife, Elizabeth moved to Las Vegas in 1990. Gerald continued to volunteer with AARP as the state director of Nevada until he suffered a stroke in 1993. Gerald never gave up, working hard to regain limited speech and physical abilities. Considered a man with nine lives, Gerald battled a number of illnesses in later life surprising all with his strength and will to live. Gerald is survived by his loving wife, of 56 years, Elizabeth "Libby"; children and spouses, Tricia and Roy Lawton, Kevin and Judy Hedden, Stephanie Hedden and Jay Peterson; and grandchildren, Adam and Maria Lawton, and Michael and Robbie Hedden. Gerald's youngest son, John preceded him in death. Gerald's wife, Libby had the love, courage and determination to allow Gerald to live and die at home in spite of overwhelming challenges. A special thank you to Norma, Gerald's long term caregiver, the doctors, hospice workers and others that allowed Gerald to die at home in peace. No services are scheduled.
