(From Simpson Funeral Home)Larry James Hedin, a beacon of resilience, vision, and unwavering love for his family, passed away on June 10, 2026. Born April 25, 1956, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Larry was the eldest child of Carl and Joan Hedin. Throughout his life, he embodied the words of Helen Keller: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."
From an early age, Larry’s vision for his life was evident. Raised in the Houston area with his brothers and sister, he embraced every opportunity head on. He graduated from Cypress-Fairbanks High School, where he kicked for the Fightin’ Bobcats football team. He proudly wore the blue corduroy jacket of the Future Farmers of America, and rode his palomino, Son, in the Tomball rodeo. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and the values he learned there remained a guiding force throughout his life.
After graduation, Larry answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force as a Non-Commissioned Officer. His service took him from Alabama to Tokyo, Japan, where he met the love of his life, Chieko. What began as a chance meeting grew into a remarkable partnership that would span more than five decades. They married and welcomed their daughter, Chizuru, and later their son, Jeffrey, before returning to the United States and eventually making their home in Missouri.
Larry dedicated his professional life to business systems and information technology, encouraging companies to embrace new technologies to solve complex challenges. He built a career that spanned more than thirty years across five states. Colleagues knew him as someone who generously shared his knowledge and helped others succeed, which he continued after his retirement in 2019. His contributions were recognized through his induction into the Trust X Alliance Hall of Fame.
In 1990, Larry and Chieko joined the Faith Lutheran Church in Carthage, where they found a lasting family and deepened their faith together. Larry's faith was woven into the fabric of his daily life, reflected in his support of local ministries and of his pastor, who fondly called Larry “Chief”. He sought to reflect God's love through song, uplifting those around him throughout his years in the Air Force and later within his church community.
Larry embraced life by traveling the world, returning often to Japan and cruising with those he loved. A true foodie, he was always eager to try new restaurants or share stories over meals. He was a devoted football fan, especially of the Kansas City Chiefs, and admired the artistry of sumo wrestling. Music was one of his greatest passions. Whether rocking out to Van Halen and AC/DC or delivering a memorable Frank Sinatra impression, Larry had a way of filling hearts with laughter, energy, and connection.
For all of his professional and personal adventures, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. To his grandchildren, he was simply “Papa.” He treasured every opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines, celebrate their accomplishments, and share life’s small-but-meaningful moments.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Hedin, whom we imagine welcomed him home with open arms and a playful hand of Texas 42 dominoes waiting at the table.
He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Chieko Hedin; daughter, Chizuru (Mark) Hootselle; son, Jeffrey Hedin; grandchildren, Izabella (Jon) Curry, Lauren Burgess, Charlotte Hootselle, and Jaxson Kress-Hedin; his father, Carl Clayton Hedin; siblings, Daniel (Carolyn) Hedin, Carl Dean Hedin (John Wiecks), and Christa Jean (Jeffrey) Denning; niece, Megan Denning; and nephew, Clayton Hedin.
Larry’s final message was simple: “Christ Loves All.” Those three words reflected the faith, compassion, and generosity that defined Larry’s life and continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CDT at Faith Lutheran Church, 2134 S. Grand Avenue, Carthage, Missouri 64836.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House or to Faith Lutheran Church in support of its local ministries. Friends and family are invited to share memories, stories, and photographs on Larry’s memorial page.






