Cornelius Rex Hedges

He was born to Frank and Helen Hedges on October 20, 1940 in Gary, Indiana and continued to live every day to its fullest until his last, having just celebrated Memorial Day with extended family and friends at the cabins on the family "Hedges Hideaway" property.

Rex attended Horace Mann Highschool. At 18, he joined the Navy and became a submarine Engine man on the USS Barbero during the Cold War era and was extremely proud to have been a veteran. He would love to tell you how the USS Barbero (SS-317) was known for the Cold War “Missile Mail” project, which launched a guided missile carrying 3000 letters to government officials up over the United States and landed in Florida. As he grew older and reflected on his submarine experience, he especially loved all the pictures, clothing and models he was able to collect about the USS Barbero and found a greater appreciation in his service.

As his children fondly remember, growing up, he was well loved at the BMX racetrack where he never met a stranger, and their friends thought of him as the “cool dad”. Never a day passed where he didn’t provide a quick bit of advice to his children such as “don’t burn the candle at both ends”, “only brush the teeth you want to keep”, and the famous “ the bus is leaving” when it was time to go.

Rex loved a good meal, a good cigar and to finish off his evening with a butterscotch dilly bar. He loved to “break bread” with friends and was always ready with a story to tell. He was the life of the party and enjoyed every day with no regrets.

He looked forward to the winters when he and Allison would spend time in Key Largo fishing, hanging by the pool, and eating their fresh catch prepared at a local restaurant with their “Keys” friends. On the drive home, he enjoyed stopping in Wadley, Alabama and had recently embarked on a historic home preservation there known locally as the "Clack House” which is now left in the able hands of Allison, which she will complete in his honor.

He wasn’t a grandfather until later in life, but once he was, he loved it and was blessed with several grandchildren. Whether he visited with them in Arizona, Northwest Indiana, or his home in Indianapolis he always enjoyed the time - whether it was going to restaurants, local attractions or even joining them on water slides - at 72 years old!

Sales was his passion, and Rejuvtec his life’s work. He started his career as a diesel mechanic and realized later that he loved selling and became a salesman at Summerfield GMC. In 1972 he started his own company and Rejuvtec was born. He met many people through his work, most of which he called friends. If you asked him, he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did. Retirement wasn’t really a word in his vocabulary as there was “still so much to do”. A customer said it best when hearing of Rex’s passing -”I can hear him now, telling St. Peter that he needs to protect the maltenes in the road to heaven”.

Rex will lovingly be remembered by his wife Allison; daughter Christie (Mike) Moore; son Curtis (Jennifer) Hedges and their mother Carmen Hedges; stepson Jonathon (Briana) Kreibich; grandchildren Logan, Deklen, Harrison, Fallon, Taylor, and Payton; his sister Judy Lafleur, and several cousins.

Reflections of his wife, Allison -

Rex and I shared so many wonderful memories. We would travel the country in search of the perfect antique cigar humidor, or other rare treasures. I was his passenger and partner in life. His infectious laugh, comedic wit, and collection of anecdotes perfect for any situation, made each mile, better than the last. Rex and I worked very hard to achieve a comfortable life, and it enabled us to explore thousands of miles together over 30 years. Although his passing marks the end of our shared adventures, I will always remember how much love and joy he brought to my life. I love you. Anchors Aweigh!

A Celebration of Rex’s Life will be held on Friday, July 7th, 2023, at 1pm with a reception to follow, at Crown Hill, 700 W. 39th Street, Indianapolis Indiana 46208.