HEDGES, Halton L.

Halton L. Hedges, 74, a 55 year resident of the Phoenix Valley, passed away peacefully at his home in Peoria, February 6, 2004. Hal is survived by Nadine his wife of 53 years, his children: John D. (Janet) Hedges, Ted K. (Donna) Hedges, Gary L. Hedges, Jane (Ron) Carmichael, Susie (Shelton) Brown, 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Before Hal came to Arizona he was a golden glove boxer in the US Army. As a twenty year old Hal hitch-hiked to Phoenix from Greenwood, Arkansas with only $5.00, a bag of bread and bologna. When he arrived in Phoenix he held a variety of jobs including working for Ameron International Corporation for 33 years and farming cotton in the Tolleson area. After retiring from Ameron he began Atlas Forklift, Inc. in his back yard which later moved to south Phoenix and became one of the largest flatbed truck carriers in the state. Through the years he was an active member of the Arizona Motor Transport Association. Many people's lives have been touched by his generosity and love. A viewing was held on Monday, February 9, 2004, at the Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 West Thunderbird Rd., Peoria. The funeral was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 22034 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. Graveside services at Holy Cross Cemetery, 10045 West Thomas Road, Avondale. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, Inc., 4203 East Indian School Road, Suite 140, Phoenix, Arizona 85018, the Valley's St. Mary's Food Bank or the Valley's St. Vincent DePaul. Published in the Arizona Republic on 2/8/2004.