Robert Hedden Jr.

Robert E. Hedden Jr., 58, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, July 5, 2013, at his home.

He was born Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1955, in De Funiak Springs, Fla., to Robert E. Sr. and Ruth Cox Hedden.

Hedden spent more than 18 years as a learning disabilities and emotionally disabled secondary-school instructor with the Hillsboro, Licking RV-II and Plato R-V school districts. He was a Special Olympics volunteer and student council sponsor. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of science in education and completed his master's degree with National Louis University of Chicago. He graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1973.

An avid bicyclist, Hedden completed major cycling tours with family and friends in the states of Washington, Montana, Georgia and Missouri. He completed the Katy Trail ride several times in recent years. He was a member of Adventure Cycling, a long-distance cycling organization. He also hiked and completed major portions of the Appalachian Trail.

Hedden was a keen bird enthusiast, and could identify most any Missouri bird. He was always surrounded by books, and could converse with any available ear on current and historical events. He loved being an uncle and was always available for a long talk.

He is survived by his parents, Robert E. Hedden Sr. and Ruth Hedden of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Cole (Carole) Hedden of Alexandria, Va., and John (Cheryl) Hedden of Taos, N.M.; a sister, Linda (Bruce) Enright of Kansas City, Mo.; five nieces, Kate Hedden Henry, Chloe Hedden, Whitney Enright, Rachel Enright, Shelby Enright and Olivia Enright; and a nephew, Rob Enright.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Inurnment will be at a later date at Cape County Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be given to Special Olympics Missouri, 1001 Diamond Ridge, Suite 800, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.