Thomas Dale Hedge

Thomas Dale Hedge, born on December 18, 1946, in Fulton, Kentucky, passed away after a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition linked to his exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. Tom, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, hard work, and humor. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Toni Yvonne Hedge (Cassell), who passed on May 6, 2008, after 40 years of marriage, and by his parents, Earl Abraham Hedge and Mary Dell Hedge (Jones), as well as siblings Edward Earl Hedge, Patricia Ann Hedge, Lillian Hedge, and his eldest grandchild, Andrew Phillips. He is also preceded by his honorary sister, Barbara Rose Dew.

Tom is survived by his three daughters: Michele Lynn Herman (Florida), Monica Dell Cloutier Barton (Michigan), and Christina Marie Webster (Michigan), as well as his son-in-law, Jamie Barton. His legacy also lives on through his grandchildren: Nicole, Alyssa, Taylor, Bethanii, Norman, Thomas, Serenity, Brooklyn, Jeremy, and Jordan, and great-grandchildren Cadence, Maisie, Toni, and another on the way, Huxley. Tom held a special place in his heart for his honorary brother-in-law, Earnest Dew and also Lyndol Dew, who remained close to him throughout the years. Tom looked forward to his conversations with both of them. Ernie was someone he looked up to since he was a child and was deeply saddened when he lost his ability to speak and could no longer have that phone call. He would want Ernie to know how much those meant to him. Tom was proud of his nephew and nieces, Lisa, Joe & Tracy and loved watching all they accomplished in their life. He would have told his sister Liz that, but he was stubborn-just like her.

Each one of his daughters, grandchildren or great grandchildren shares some trait he has passed down. Whether it’s stubbornness, directness, humor, good looks, or lawncare, it is indeed a legacy. His granddaughter Bethanii was closest to him in his final days. Compassion and empathy that came so natural to her were a saving grace for him and he loved her beyond measure.

Tom joined the Army in 1966 and served proudly during the Vietnam Conflict as an image interpreter. His service took him to various places, including Karlsruhe Germany, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and St. Louis Missouri, and he was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Tom was a man of strong convictions—never afraid to share his beliefs, especially regarding the treatment of veterans. He believed that veterans should never have to fight for the benefits they deserve, and that transparency and honesty were paramount when addressing the sacrifices made by those who serve. Throughout his life, he advocated for better care for veterans and a more just system that truly honors their sacrifices.

In addition to his military service, Tom had a passion for landscaping and could create the most beautiful lawns and gardens anyone had the privilege of seeing. His yard, often walked barefoot

by those who visited, was a testament to his hard work and dedication. He believed in doing things right the first time and lived his life with an unwavering commitment to honesty, loyalty, and integrity. Tom believed in the power of giving your word. He took care of everything he owned as if it could never be replaced, yet he showed extreme generosity to others when he had the means to do so.

Tom's greatest attribute, however, was his sense of humor. For those lucky enough to see this side of him, Tom could bring tears of laughter with his quick wit. He was also an accomplished guitarist and country singer, finding pure joy in the music he loved.

Tom’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service at the Bright House Studio located at 1612 E Centre Ave, Portage, Michigan from 4PM-7PM on February 11th, 2025. He will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery 15501 W. Dickman Rd. Augusta, MI 49012 with full military honors next to his wife Toni on February 12th at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a difference in the lives of veterans. Volunteer at VA facilities, assist with their appointments, or support veteran organizations. Small acts of kindness, such as offering companionship or simply listening to a veteran’s story, go a long way in showing support to those who’ve served our country. If you give your word, honor it.

Tom’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, and in the many lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his country.

John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”