was born December 14, to Lawrence and Marjorie (Daniel) Hedges at home in Blue Mound, KS. Tom graduated from Blue Mound High School and attended Baker University, graduating in 1963 with a degree in music education.
Tom received an MS in Education from Kansas State University in 1966 and continued to be a life-long learner. Tom married his college sweetheart, Mardonna (Mardy) Duncan and they enjoyed 45 wonderful years together building lasting memories with family and friends.
Tom’s career as an educator spanned 33 years, and he served as the Jr High/High School Principal in Rossville, Ellinwood, Kingman and Pittsburg, KS, and retired in 1996 as the Personnel Director for the Salina School District.
Never someone you would find in the spotlight, unless he was performing in a community theatre production, Tom gave generously of his time and talents not only to his students and faculty, but to countless community and civic organizations through the years.
He was also actively involved in music, leadership and stewardship roles in various church congregations over the years, especially Trinity UMC (Salina) and Grace UMC (Olathe). Despite his many interests he always preserved quality time for family and friends, never too busy to tell a story or lend a listening ear. His dry wit and sense of humor left an impression on everyone he met, including his caregivers in recent months.
He was genuine, compassionate, and encouraging to everyone his life intersected with, and you always knew just where you stood with him. Tom is preceded in death by an infant brother, his parents, his brother Richard (Dick) Hedges, his beloved wife Mardy and daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Altergott.
Survivors include his daughters Laura (Les) Smith, Gladstone, MO, and Anu (Reima) Santala (Helsinki, Finland), grandchildren Sam (Sarah) Gay, Ethan Altergott and Carley Altergott, and great-granddaughter Blakely Gay. Sister Donna (Wilfred) Lehmann and a loving, extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Northcross United Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64118. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to USD 250 Foundation, 510 Deill Street, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
