Newton G. "Newt" Hedrick Jr.

Newton G. “Newt” Hedrick Jr., age 75, of Nashville, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, March 19, 2026, at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis. He was a resident of Nashville.

Newt was born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania on June 25, 1950, to the late George Newton Hedrick Sr. and Lucille Francis (Hughes) Boyd. He was a 1968 graduate of Jackson High School in Decatur County, Indiana, and later attended technical school, where he earned his ASE certification. Newt proudly served his country as a Seaman in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in August of 1970.

Newt retired from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, where he worked for over 20 years as a mechanic at Brown County State Park in Nashville. Prior to that, he served the State of Indiana as a Service Manager in Indianapolis. A man gifted with his hands, Newt could fix just about anything. His mechanical skill, patience, and willingness to help others were evident in all he did, and he took great pride in his work.

He was a member of Nashville Christian Church. Newt enjoyed bowling, playing softball, fishing, and hunting, and he was an avid fan of Purdue University Men’s Basketball. He loved to sing—whether in church, in his truck, or anywhere the moment struck. Known for his warm personality, Newt never met a stranger and was quick to offer a friendly wave to anyone he passed. Often described as a “big old teddy bear,” he had a kind heart and a gentle spirit.

Above all, Newt loved his family dearly. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time spent with those he loved, especially his grandchildren. He was also a devoted dog lover who cared deeply for his beloved companions, Daisy Mae, Tatter, and the late Abby.

Newt is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Suzanne L. (Owens) Hedrick, whom he married on December 14, 1985, in Columbus; his children, Jason (Stephanie) Owens of Thermopolis, Wyoming, Niki (Robert Nelk) Hedrick of Columbus, Joe (Holly Epley) Hedrick of Nashville, and Shane (Brittany) Hedrick of Martinsville; his grandchildren, Dalton and Ramsay Owens, Jacob Ruckman, Suzannah Hedrick, Annie Kay Hedrick, and Chase Hedrick; and his siblings, Pamela (Rick) Osborn of Hartford City, Ella (Wix) Boyd-Strimple of Greenwood, James Boyd of Edinburgh, Nathaniel (Dana) Boyd of Greensburg, Patty Ashley of Greensburg, Mary Miller, Irvin Hedrick, Kathy Baker, August Hedrick, and Beth Myers, all of Pennsylvania, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father who raised him, James W. Boyd; his grandson, Theo Hedrick; and his siblings, Marsha Gorbett, Gerald Hedrick, and Jarin Boyd.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Unity Baptist Church, 7361 Spearsville Road in Morgantown. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the church, conducted by Rev. Tim Bond. Military honors will be presented by the United States Navy and the Brown County Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made in Newt’s honor to the National Kidney Foundation – Kidney Camp of Indiana, 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240, or to the Brown County Humane Society, P.O. Box 746, Nashville, IN 47448.

Newt will be remembered for his skilled hands, his generous heart, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the many things he built, fixed, and made better—simply by being there.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Newton G. "Newt" Hedrick Jr., please visit our floral store.