from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Joe R. Hedington, 76, father of Sam Hedington, a USTA member and Indiana Standardbred Association director, died Jan. 16, 2012.

Mr. Hedington, a lifelong farmer, raced trottingbred ponies for many years at Nappanee Raceway and in retirement participated in harness racing at pari-mutuel and county fair tracks in Indiana as a licensed groom.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Gary (Joyce) and Sam (Melody); two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Nancy (Larry) Mellot.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday (Jan. 20) at King Memorial Home in Mentone, Indiana.