Darwin Hedges was born February 4, 1935, NE of Seiling, OK.  His parents, Faye and Bea Hedges, welcomed him to their family.  Darwin was the youngest boy with two older brothers, Duane and Wendell and one younger sister, Anne.  He went to be with his heavenly Father on July 13, 2024, at the age of 89.

Darwin attended the Seiling School system graduating with the Class of 1953.  During High School, he was active in football, basketball and track.  He was also very active in FFA and was honored by receiving the State Junior Master Farmer award.  During his high school days, he was able to make enough from his commercial projects, along with a football scholarship to pay for his college education.

Darwin attended Panhandle State University and graduated in 1957 with a BS degree in Animal Husbandry.  While there he lettered in football for 4 years and track 3 years.  He also attended Colorado State University doing some undergraduate work in Range Management.

While in high school, Darwin met the love of his life, Laverne Martin, and on December 24, 1954, they were married in his parents' home near Seiling. During the next 9 years, they were blessed with 4 sons, Steven, Jason Scott, Stuart, and Stanley.  Sadly, Stuart only lived a few days due to an RH blood problem.

Darwin's work career started in 1955 with the Soil Conservation Service. This began in Woodward, OK and continued in Guymon, Pauls Valley, OK, where he was a range specialist for the southern 1/3 of Oklahoma, and then Little Rock, AR where he served as the State Range Conservationist.  He retired in 1986 after 31 years of dedicated service to farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Darwin was very active with civic and church organizations, he volunteered as a "Big Brother", he and Laverne started the Mexico Children's Mission, Inc. after making their first trip to Matehuala, Mexico in 1990. Since that time, they have completed over 50 trips to Mexico helping numerous disadvantaged families there.

In 1994, Darwin and Laverne moved back to Seiling, OK. Darwin had a strong faith and love for the Lord.  He became an active member of the Seiling First Christian Church.  Darwin served as an Elder and was instrumental in starting the Food Pantry.

Darwin was proud to live and be a part of the Seiling Community, he enjoyed fishing, the outdoors, and especially enjoyed his family.  He cherished his children and grandchildren and the time he spent with each of them.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, and his brothers, Duane and Wendell.

After nearly 70 years of marriage, Darwin leaves behind his beloved wife and soulmate, Laverne.  He also leaves his sons Steven and wife Colinda of Chester, Ok, Scott and wife Mary of Nashville, TN, and Stanley and wife Darbie of Goshen, AR; and his sister Anne Decker and husband Gene of Seiling.  There are 22 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, other family members and many friends who will miss the presence of Darwin in their lives.

Darwin will be remembered as a wonderful human being and a true man of God.  His love for his family and community will serve as an example for others to follow.  May his soul rest in eternal peace with our Lord and Savior.

Memorial Donations in Darwin's honor may be made to:

Seiling First Christian Church Food Pantry

C/O Redinger Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Seiling, OK  73663.