Longtime Ponca City Public School Educator Dies
Mike Seals - June 6, 2021 10:04 pm
Longtime Ponca City educator, Charles (Charlie) Hedgcoth, died on Thursday, June 3, 2021. He was 70 years old.
Mr. Hedgcoth’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Robson Fieldhouse at 2 p.m. Neil Strangeland, a pastor in Ponca City and a former student of his, will conduct the service. Ryan Brown, also a former student and music teacher in Blackwell, will be singing, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill.
Charles (Charlie) William Hedgcoth was born Jan. 16, 1951 in Pulaski, Tenn. He was hired by PCPS in August of 1990 to teach social studies. He retired a few years ago but returned to part-time teaching later the following school year.
He is survived by his brother, Buster Hedgcoth of Pawhuska.
Charlie was a patriot first and foremost. He defended the United States Constitution with every fiber of his being. This is why his celebration of life will be held so close to July 4. He loved anything that pictured the American flag. The theme will be carried throughout his memorial service at the school.
Charlie was very proud of his Oklahoma State University Cowboys. He often wore his blazing orange and had his OSU flag flying from his truck. Everyone knew Charlie’s truck because of this flag.
Lake Ponca was where you could find Charlie every morning. He liked to go there and read his newspaper and feed the ducks. If you were ever looking for him and couldn’t find him, he was usually there. It was his happy place.
Charlie was a friend to everyone. He genuinely cared about people and their needs. His eyes were his best feature because they showed you the depth of his kindness. He always had time to listen if someone needed to talk and never passed judgment on anyone. He was everyone’s friend and confidant.
Many of his former students would often come visit him at the school. His classroom was full of gifts and memorabilia from students who sat in his classroom and learned the value of history. Charlie made history come alive for his students, and on some occasions, even his colleagues.
