Harold Burdette Hedrick Obituary

[Columbia Daily Tribune, Columbia, MO, October 25, 2005]

Harold Hedrick, 1924-2005

Dr. Harold Burdette Hedrick passed away Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, at the age of 81.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Missouri United Methodist Church, Ninth and Locust streets, with visitation following.

Harold was born May 11, 1924, in Sinks Grove, W.V., to Guy Frederick and Laura Eva Burdette Hedrick. He attended West Virginia University, where he received a bachelor's degree. In 1953, he moved to Columbia to attend the University of Missouri, where he earned both a master's degree and doctorate. After receiving his doctorate, he began a distinguished teaching and research career of more than 38 years in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, where he retired as professor emeritus. He co-authored the meat science textbook "Principles of Science" and numerous journals.

In 1995, he received the Citation of Merit Award for his years of devoted service to MU. A classroom was named in his honor at Eckles Hall in 2000. His many other honors and awards included being named the Outstanding Faculty Member by the College of Agriculture, recipient of the American Meat Science Association Distinguished Teaching Award and Signal Service Award, President's Award by the Missouri Pork Producers' Association, American Society of Animal Science Research Award, President of the American Meat Science Association, and the R.C. Pollock Award, the highest award by the American Meat Science Association. He was also well known throughout Missouri for meat-judging at county and state fair competitions.

Harold found his greatest delight in the service to others. Whether he was grilling for the annual Golden K Kiwanis picnic, flipping pancakes at the Kiwanis Pancake Day or barbecuing for Mizzou's annual Ag Day - which he did for more than 30 years - Harold could always bring people together. Over the years, thousands enjoyed fellowship and communion over a meal prepared by Harold. Kiwanis International recognized his service activities for children with the George F. Hixson Award and Tablet of Honor. Harold also served his country as a captain in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Harold was a devoted husband to Virginia Skaggs Hedrick. They met as children growing up in West Virginia and cherished nearly 57 years of marriage. Besides his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Dr. David and Linda Hedrick of Denver, and Tom and Lynn Hedrick of St. Louis; and five grandchildren, Ryan, Jason, Laura, Lindsay and Scott.

An avid outdoorsman, Harold anticipated each year's hunting season with enthusiasm and relished the serenity of spending an afternoon fishing with friends or tending to his garden. He was a faithful member of Missouri United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities, including chairman of the administrative board.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Golden K Kiwanis Foundation, in care of Louise Martin, First National Bank, 801 E. Broadway, Columbia, Mo., 65201, or Missouri United Methodist Church.