Byron David Hedrick, born on October 28, 1953 in Overton, Texas and passed away on August 9, 2026 in Kilgore, Texas lived a life that was as full of laughter as it was of love, service, and good old-fashioned common sense.

David was the kind of man who could walk into a room and make it brighter without needing a spotlight. He was funny, friendly and generous, and he carried those qualities the way some men carry a pocketknife, with him everywhere and ready to use. He had a gift for making people laugh and he never seemed to run out of jokes, which was fortunate for everyone around him and occasionally dangerous for anyone trying to stay serious in his presence. His humor was warm, quick and perfectly timed, and it became one of the many ways he made life better for the people who knew him.

He was a Kilgore High School graduate in 1972, a graduate of Kilgore College in 1974 and a proud Licensed Master Plumber. David understood the value of hard work and he approached his trade with the kind of steady skill that made people trust him immediately. Those qualities allowed him to own his own successful plumbing business, Hedrick Plumbing, for 44 years.

David also served 15 years on the Kilgore ISD School Board, where his commitment to the community showed in a very real and lasting way. He believed in doing what was right, showing up when needed and helping build a stronger future for the people of Kilgore. That kind of service does not happen by accident. It comes from character and David had plenty of that.

His faith as a Christian was an important part of his life and it guided the way he treated others. He was always willing to help those in need, especially the elderly, and he did so with a kindness that never asked for applause. David was the sort of person who noticed what needed doing and then did it. If it was broke he could fix it. If someone needed help, he was already on the way. If someone needed a laugh, he had a joke ready. David understood that a good laugh could be just as healing as a good repair.

For 35 years, David was known as the resident "Santa" at the Kilgore elementary schools, fire stations and police department. That role was more than a tradition. It was a gift he gave to the community year after year. He brought joy, wonder and a whole lot of Christmas spirit to countless children and adults, and he did it with the same warmth and humor that defined his life. Not every man can pull off being Santa for 35 years, but David did it with style, heart and probably a few extra laughs tucked in his beard. He made those visits memorable and he made the season brighter for an entire community. Many in the community probably remember "Bike Night". This was an event that David put on each year during the Christmas season at his house where friends, family and community members would gather to build bicycles for children who had asked for them while visiting "Santa." The joy and memories run deep for the children and builders alike but that is who David was; he was always willing to help those in need and have fun doing it.

In David's latter years, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. You would often find him at Riverside Trades Day visiting with friends, fishing with his grandkids, traveling to his grandson Grady's baseball games and granddaughter Kailyn's dance events or working on his property or tractor. He had a hands-on way about him that matched his personality perfectly. He found satisfaction in seeing things to the finish and could envision what the final product would be before the work even began. Simply put, he looked for ways to make a day of work feel like a day well spent.

David is preceded in death by his father Bill D. Hedrick and mother Anna Bess Hedrick. He is survived by his beloved Danette Hedrick, his son, Bret Hedrick, his daughter Brittany Mathis, son-in-law Lance Mathis, granddaughter Kailyn Mathis, grandson Grady Mathis, brother Dale Hedrick and wife Laura Hedrick, brother Don Hedrick and wife Jana Hedrick and a large host of dear friends, beloved cousins and extended family members.

Those who loved David will remember his laughter, his kindness and the way he could turn an ordinary moment into one worth remembering. They will remember a man who was dependable when it mattered, generous when it counted and funny just about all the time. He was the kind of person who made life feel a little lighter, and that is no small thing. Byron David Hedrick lived with heart, humor and a spirit of service that touched many lives. He will be missed dearly, remembered fondly and spoken of often with the kind of smile he was so good at creating.

Services for David Hedrick, 72 of Kilgore will be held 1:00 PM Friday, August 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Kilgore with Rev. David Hampton officiating under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. Burial will follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday evening at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. Mr. Hedrick passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026 in Kilgore.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Byron David Hedrick's honor to The Hospice of East Texas located in Tyler, TX.