David Edward Hedgepeth peacefully passed away on September 7, 2025, in Ruston, Louisiana, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 69. David was born on April 7, 1956, in Long Beach, CA, to William David and Barbara Gwin Hedgepeth.
Over 40 years ago, David opened David Hedgepeth Interiors. With the eye of an artist David would bring his unique style to all his clients. David served his community and the city of Ruston. He served as a member of Ruston City Council, was a board member on Ruston Civic Symphony, Lincoln Parish Museum and the Dixie Center of the Arts. David also served as Co-Chairman with Lue Charles Napper and Judy Burt on Queen Dixie Gem, Dixie Gem Teen and Princess Peach.
The Church of the Redeemer was a major part of David’s life. He was a stalwart and reliable volunteer for many, many projects spanning more than 30 years. David served on the Vestry more than once, he was licensed and served as a Eucharistic Minister, he was a regular member of the Men of the Church, and he taught Sunday School. He was on two Search Committees during our quests for a new Rector, and the predictable beauty of the Redeemer altar on Sundays and other special occasions was often the result of David’s floral artistry.
One of David’s most noteworthy duties was serving as Batter Boy with Lue Charles Napper making gallons and gallons of perfect pancake batter at the Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, where his expertise was unquestioned and his jovial attitude regularly brought a smile and a laugh to an otherwise hectic situation.
David was preceded in death by his parents, William David and Barbara Gwin Hedgepeth, grandparents Fred and Sarah Duggan, David Edward Hedgepeth, John and Hattie Gwin.
David is survived by his companion and best friend, Melinda Maxwell, his son William Hedgepeth (Malea) and their children MacKenizie and David James “DJ” Hedgepeth, his daughter Gwin Hedgepeth and her children Levi, Eden and Wren Boydstun and Noah Lockwood. Brother John Hedgepeth (Sherrill) and sister Sarah Hedgepeth. Melinda’s children Mary Cathryn (Peter) Benyo, their children Andrew, Mary Parker and Herris, Ben (Rebecca) Pullin and their children Hallie, Kendall, and Grant.
Visitation will be at Haskell Hall The Church of the Redeemer on Friday, September 12,, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The Funeral Service will be 10:30 A. M. Saturday, September13, 2025, at The Church of the Redeemer, 504 Tech Drive, Ruston, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, LA.
David asked, in lieu of flowers, to make donations to The Church of the Redeemer organ fund.
