Butler County Judge Craig Hedric dies at age 55

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.

“Just shocked,” Greg Howard, a former law partner and longtime friend of Hedric’s told the Journal-News on Sunday morning. “It is just such a loss, not only because he was a good friend, but because he was a good person and a good judge.”

Howard said he saw Hedric on Friday when they had breakfast with another friend.

“It was just like usual.” Howard said. “We talked about sports and judges. Just didn’t know it would be the last time.”

On Wednesday, Hedric posted a selfie of himself on Twitter taking a walk with his dog, Slugger. In the tweet he wrote, "gorgeous day in Butler County."

Hedric was an avid sports fan, especially of Miami University athletics. He loved golf, reading, travel and attending his children’s sporting events, according to the county judges’ website.

Area law enforcement expressed its condolences Sunday via social media.

“Butler County lost an impeccable, dedicated, hard working man today. We are saddened at the loss of the Honorable Judge Craig Hedric,” read a Facebook post from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. “Sheriff Jones and staff would like to thank him for his years of service and extend prayers and condolences to his family.”

The Hamilton Police Department posted on Facebook that it was saddened to hear the news of Hedric’s death.

“The citizens of Butler County have lost a great public servant who has spent years dedicating his life for the betterment of our communities,” read the post. “Chief Bucheit and the members of HPD extend condolences to the Hedric family and wish them peace and strength during this time of mourning.”

Oxford Division of Police posted that Hedric was “a great man, a dedicated public servant, and a familiar face at RedHawk games.

“He will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hedric family and we wish them peace and strength during this time of mourning.”