Jerry W. Hedrick Sr
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Jerry W. Hedrick Sr, 87, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away September 18, 2025.
Service will be held at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church on Monday, September 29, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:30am-10:30am. Memorial service will start at 10:30am.
Jerry was born September 17, 1938 in Wellington, Kansas, a son of Cecil and Myrtle Hedrick Hedrick. Graduated from Wellington High School in 1957 in Wellington, Kansas. He then went on to Kansas State University where he graduated with an agricultural economics degree in 1961. Jerry enlisted in the Naval Aviation Officers Candidate School in Pensacola, FL. There he met Dorothy Zerr, who was a Navy nurse, at the officers club. He married Dorothy on July 4, 1964 in a full dress white Naval ceremony with a flyover. Jerry was commissioned and had his Navy Wings pinned to his chest by Dorothy and after Jet training was assigned to Navy Attack Squadron VA216 Black Diamonds. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Hancock where he flew 129 combat missions over Vietnam, where he received 13 Air Medals , 3 Navy Commendations and was nominated for the Distinguished Flying Cross. Jerry retired from the Navy in 1968 and moved to Kansas City, MO to begin a career as a commercial airline pilot for Trans World Airlines, flying for 30 years both internationally and domestically before retiring in 1998.
Jerry’s passion was his grandchildren and watching all of their sporting events, often traveling from one game to another in the same day. When Jerry was not cheering on his grandchildren, he could be found following his beloved Kansas State Wildcats, dressed from head to toe in purple! Jerry enjoyed golfing at Lakewood Oaks with a large crew of close friends. Jerry was also passionate about his college fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha where he, Jerry Jr , Michael and Max are initiates.
Jerry was a member of Woods Chapel United Methodist Church since 1976 where he was active and often spoke to cancer patients and survivors. He dressed up as Santa Claus every Christmas and delivered presents to families in need.
Jerry was a Master Mason 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, as well as a Ararat Shriner where he was a member of the Flying Fez , flying children to Shriner Hospitals for specialized care. In later years Jerry was a member of the pilot group the Quiet Birdmen (QB’s).
He is preceded in death by: wife, Dorothy Z. Hedrick; daughter, Christi M. Hedrick; and brother, Philip D. Hedrick.
Survivors include: sons, Jerry W. Hedrick Jr and Michael T. Hedrick; granddaughter, Kennedy Grace Hedrick; grandsons, Max Michael Hedrick and Samuel John Hedrick.
Jerry was one of the nicest people that I’ve ever known. He was a true hero and was so interesting to visit with. He will be greatly missed.
Your caring will always be with me. You will be missed but never forgotten. Love Saundra morgan
Jerry & I became close friends when I had cancer & he had a similar cancer many years ago. We were also both Viet Nam vets – he a flyer, me a ground pounder. We were also sports nuts – he a KState alum & supporter & me an Iowa Hawkeye. He will be missed by me.
Hawkeye. We commiserated many times about many current events and he will be greatly missed by me & Carole.
Jerry you have been one of those consistent, always there people that I look for and I’m not sure if I ever told you that…but I did. Now Dorothy knows. You have touched the hearts of so many over the years…now you will do the same from a different place, heaven. Spread your wings and fly….sharing, caring, as angels do. You will be missed! “Miss Sharon”
We will miss you, Jerry. You and Dorothy were so kind to us. We are grateful for your friendship. RIP my friend.
Blessed to know Jerry. Rest in peace sir.
We have always had a special place in our hearts for Jerry. He was truly a gentlemen among men, always with a thought or action for others, especially those in need. Jerry will be missed by so many. Our thoughts & prayers are with all his family & friends.
Our deepest sympathy to Jerry, Jr., Mike and family. Jerry was a dear friend. We enjoyed his humor; and many TWA and Navy aviation stories at monthly Quiet Birdmen meetings. He has “Gone West” but will always remember him.
I’m so glad that I was able to meet Jerry through QB’s and coax stories from his time in the Navy as well as with TWA. A great guy and will truly be missed.
Jerry will be greatly missed. He had an amazing life and was one of the most kind and humble people I have ever met.
It was truly my honor to work with Jerry during his short stay at MidAmerica.
Sending my condolances to Jerry Jr., Michael, and family.
Blue Skies and Tailwinds, Jerry during your flight West! You will be missed! It was an honor to know you. Always enjoyed our aviation conversations!
I will miss greeting him at the doors when he came to Church and the shoes he wore were different each time When I saw him walking in.will miss that and rest in peace my friend
It was very sad to hear the news if Jerry’s passing. We were friends during our days in Lemoore, Calif (1965-68) when we were assigned to VA-216, the Black Diamonds Squadron. Dottie and Jacqui had may wonderful memories as VA-216 wives. Jerry was an outstanding Naval Aviator and all around guy. May he be blessed and at rest in GOD’s Grace.