Thomas Earl Hedgpeth, 71 of West Frankfort, died at 12:02 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Herrin Hospital. He was born on Feb. 27, 1943 in Decatur to to Robert Earl and Mary Jane (Lyons) Hedgpeth. He married the former Peggy Adams and she survives. Thomas was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), Williamson County Gun Club, National Rifle Association (NRA), International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), American Legion Post 1961 – Orient, Illinois. He was preceeded in death by hsi parents; son, Tom Hedgpeth, Jr. in July 1998; brother, Merl Hedgpeth; and three sisters. He is survived by wife, Peggy Hedgpeth; son, Robert Hedgpeth; daughter, Dorothy Bixler; two step-sons, Donald Adams and Clarence Tracy, Jr.; four step-daughters, Tina Machura, Connie Cawvey, Terry Adams, and Dawn McElroy; numerous grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014, at West City Church of God in West City. Rev. Harold Whitlock will officiate. Visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church prior to the service.