Russell Hedge

OCTOBER 28, 1944 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Russell Hedge, 79, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Born on October 28, 1944, in Kansas City, MO, he was the son of Ruth and Homer Hedge and shared a special bond with his twin brother, John. The brothers graduated from Rosedale High School in 1962, where they were actively involved in Debate and Forensics. Russell went on to earn a B.S. in Elementary Education with a focus on Speech Pathology from the University of Kansas, followed by an M.A. in Speech from Kansas State University. He completed all but his dissertation in Communication Disorders at the University of Oklahoma.

Russell was married twice: first to Marianne, with whom he had a son, Scott. He later married Donna, and together they welcomed three children: Josi, Ian, and Jaden.

Throughout his 30+ year career, Russell dedicated himself to working with special needs children and their families, making a lasting impact as a Speech Pathologist with a particular emphasis on Early Childhood Interventions. One of his most memorable roles was at KIJ's Bureau of Child

Research Outreach Facility in Parsons, KS, where he traveled across five counties in Southeast Kansas, empowering children and families to enhance their daily lives. Russell's passions included teaching, learning, archaeology, and traveling.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, John. Russell is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his four children, Scott (Kimberly) Hedge, Josi Hedge, Ian (Rebecca) Hedge, and laden Hedge; and his two grandsons, Brennan and Kellan.