HEDRICK, Donald Ray - b. March 10, 1937 - d. December 23, 2012

[patyrn]

Donald Ray Hedrick, age 75, of Severy, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012 at his home.  He was born March 10, 1937 in Pawnee, Oklahoma, the son of Roger Lee Sr. and Theresa Mae (Brown) Hedrick.

Don worked as a mechanic for Continental Trailways from 1960 to 1970.  From 1970 to 1975, Don and his brother, Roger Lee, owned and operated the Ponderosa Steakhouse and gas station in Severy, Kansas.  In 1977, Don and Roger started the Hedrick Oil Company.  In 1981, Don went to work for Boeing in Wichita, Kansas, and he retired from Boeing in 1985.  Don had a passion for racing, and together with his brother, Roger, owned Hedrick Brothers Racing.  Don was the driver of both a funny car and a dragster.  He loved talking about their racing experiences in the 60s and 70s.  He loved going to NHRA drag races and watching them on television, especially his favorite driver and team owner, John Force.  Don will be remembered by so many as a great and generous car mechanic.

Don is survived by one son, Breck Hedrick of Severy, Kansas; one daughter, Laurel Herrera of Sequim, Washington; one stepson, Richard Johnson of Wichita, Kansas; two stepdaughters, Tammy Bays of Derby, Kansas and Nikki Bustos of Wichita, Kansas; one granddaughter, Isabella Herrera of Topeka, Kansas; eight step-grandchildren, Christopher Johnson of Wichita, Kansas, Stephanie Johnson of Topeka, Kansas, Kyle Johnson of Wichita, Kansas, Brandon Bustos of Topeka, Kansas, Devin Bustos of Wichita, Kansas, and Mariah Bays, John Bays, and Chance Bays, all of Derby, Kansas; and five step great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roger Lee Jr.; and one grandson, Tyre Hedrick.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at the Severy Baptist Church with Pastor Tony Pameticky officiating.  Interment will follow at South Lawn Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Severy Baptist Church and may be left with the funeral home.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)