Stephen D. Hedges, age 80 of Malvern, died Saturday, July 18, 2009, at his home. He was born on March 29, 1929 in South Hampton , New York to the late William S. and Susan Depew Hedges. Moving with his parents to Malvern at the age of seven, he went on to graduate from Malvern High School in 1948. All of his life was dedicated to farming and ranching, and raising his family. He also owned a topsoil and clay gravel operation. Mr. Hedges was a member of the Arkansas Cattleman's Association. He was the husband of Ruby Guin Stiles Hedges, to whom he was married on July 7, 1964.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby, of the home; his sons, Dennis and his wife Cindy, and Steve J. Hedges; his daughters, Melissa Henson and Melanie Draper all of Malvern; a step-son, Dail and his wife Nancy Stiles of Little Rock; a step-daughter, Dianna Cothren Busher and her husband Chuck of Shreveport, Louisiana; two brothers, Sam D. Hedges and his wife Ruby, of Malvern, and Dr. William D. Hedges and his wife Robbie of Gainesville, Florida; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Jane Crowell and a brother, John D. Hedges.

His funeral will be held at the graveside in Shadowlawn Cemetery on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2009, at ten o'clock with Reverend LaVon Post officiating.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from six until seven-thirty o'clock. They will be headquartered at 541 Grigsby Ford Road .

Memorials are requested to the local FFA Association.

Times New Roman", Times, serif">Online condolences may be sent via Times New Roman", Times, serif"> jafunkfuneralhome.com.