Mr. Hedges passed away Monday, June 15, 2009. He was born July 2, 1936 in Sedona, Arizona. His family moved shortly thereafter to Flagstaff. He was a life long resident of Flagstaff.

Mr. Hedges is survived by his wife, Joan Hedges. They were married in the summer of 1964. Mr. Hedges is also survived by his son, Earl Clinton Hedges, Jr.; his brother, Clifford Ray Hedges; sister, Shiryl Kay Cruver; niece Kathryn Adele Cruver and nephew Milton Clinton Cruver.

Mr. Hedges is predeceased by his father, George Clinton Hedges; his mother, Mary Kathryn Hedges; his brother, George Ray Hedges; and his sister, Shirley Kay Hedges.

Mr. Hedges proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961.

Mr. Hedges was affectionately known by his loved ones as "Earlybird". He enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing, radio electronics and leatherwork. He was a gifted motorcycle mechanic and munitions handler. Mr. Hedges was retired from the Navajo Army Depot.

A visitation will be on Monday, June 22 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm, both at Norvel Owens Mortuary Chapel, 914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona. There will also be a graveside service on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at 10:00 am in Cook's Cemetery, Sedona, Arizona.