Americus Hedden

Hedden, Americus "Joe" E.,peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on February 4, 2015 at Baptist Hospital LaGrange. He was born on August 25, 1924 in Plainville, Indiana and was very proud to tell everyone he was 90 years old! Early in life he graduated from Plainville High School and served in WWII as a PT Instructor for the Army Air Corp Division from February 15, 1943 through February 22, 1946. He cherished serving the United States of America and felt honored to be named "Americus" after his grandfather. We often wondered how he was nicknamed "Joe", which he would reply, "GI Joe - everyone was named Joe in WWII".Theatre Management was Joe's career, and oh how he loved the movies. His Kentucky career began at the old Cozy Indoor Theatre and ended at the Twilight Drive-In Theatre. Quite the distinguished voice of the movie industry, many genuine friends were made over the years. Most recently, he retired from Bright Expectations Day Care where he made new, younger friends through the students and loved to share the stories about the children. Joe was preceded in death by the love of his life, Betty Purcell. They were happily married for 69 years. He was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Billie Maupin and a son, Mark Hedden. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Gathof; grandchildren, Kyle Gathof, Brandon Gathof, Mackenzie Gathof and Scott Hedden; and great-grandchildren, Eli Gathof, Amber Maupin, Hunter Maupin and Ethan Hedden. Joe was a faithful member of Beechmont United Methodist Church for over fifty years which is now Epworth United Methodist Church. He was a former member of the American Legion and Kiwanis International. Joe was a Christian man who loved others, cherished life and served others with passion and joy. He never gossiped, and always felt like God made each of us the way we were for a reason. He was the true epitome of unconditional love. A service celebrating Joe's life will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday at Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Highway, followed by burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Visitation will be held from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Friday and after 11:00 a.m. Saturday.The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and staff of Baptist Health LaGrange. Without the genuine, personal and professional help, our journey would have been far greater and we are so extremely grateful for each person who comforted us.Expressions of sympathy may go to Epworth United Methodist Church, 919 Palatka Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40214 or Transitional Care Center, Baptist Hospital, 1025 New Moody Lane, LaGrange, Kentucky 40031.