Judge Keith Spaeth will start hearing Hedric’s docketed cases on Wednesday.
Hedric, 55, of Liberty Twp., collapsed at his home early Sunday morning. He was found by his wife, Annette. Deputies and emergency workers performed CPR but were unable to revive him. Hedric was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
The Butler County Coroner’s Office ruled Hedric’s death as natural. He died of cardiovascular disease, according to the coroner’s report.
Hedric’s courtroom was locked on Monday. Many in the court wing of the Government Services Center shook their heads in shock.
Mamie Lewis, Hedric’s long time administrative assistant and his magistrate Stephanie Ogg, were in the office.
“He would want us to be here, keeping everything orderly and moving,” Lewis said, her voice cracking.
Hedric was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas General Division in November 2006 and began serving on the bench on Jan. 3, 2007.
Born and raised in Oxford, Hedric was a Talawanda High School and Miami University graduate.
In 1986, Hedric graduated from the University Of Toledo College Of Law and went into private practice in Hamilton.
In January 2001, he became an assistant Butler County prosecuting attorney and remained in that position until being elected judge. He was elected Common Pleas Judge in November 2006 and began serving on the bench on Jan. 3, 2007.
Judge Michael Oster worked with Hedric in the prosecutor’s office, where he said Hedric was a mentor. That continued when Oster was elected judge nearly two years ago.
“He kind of modeled himself after Judge Sage (now retired). I was elected to replace Judge Sage and he thought Sage helped me I will help him.”
Oster said all the judges were welcoming, but Hedric stepped up a bit more.
“It was amazing to me that no matter what he was doing, he would talk to me and clear time for me,” Oster said. “Just a great mentor to me as a new judge.”
Funeral services for Hedric are not yet completed, according to Phil Morrical, his brother-in-law.
“There has been a great outpouring for Craig and his family. I appreciate it and they appreciate it,” Morrical said.
Hedric was an avid sports fan, especially of Miami University athletics. His father, Darrell, was a legendary basketball coach. He loved golf, reading, travel and attending his children’s sporting events, according to the county judges’ website.
Hedric was described as an extrovert who was devoted to family by those who knew him.
The judge had a standing date for breakfast every Friday morning at Kostas’s Restaurant in downtown Hamilton. Friends and fellow attorneys Greg Howard and Damon Halverson made up the threesome on Veteran’s Day.
Longtime friend Chris Pagan didn’t make it and said it was painful for him to realize he missed the last time to see his friend.
“He was a good friend and will be missed and good judge too,” Pagan said Monday afternoon. Adding he admired Hedric’s devotion to his family and wife who had medical issues.
“He did it with great dignity and courage,” Pagan said.
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