Hallowed Ground: Remembering Dad at Cooks Cedar Glade Cemetery, Sedona
For many, Sedona, Arizona, is a place of breathtaking red rock vistas, spiritual energy, and serene beauty. For me, it holds an even deeper, more personal significance: it is the sacred resting place of my father, Earl Clinton Hedges Sr. Nestled amidst those majestic landscapes lies Cooks Cedar Glade Cemetery, the hallowed ground where he was laid to rest.
This isn't just any cemetery; it's Sedona's oldest, established in 1918 following a death from the devastating Spanish Flu. Its origins are deeply tied to the community's history, part of 160 acres homesteaded by Henry Cook himself. You can find this historic site at 101 Airport Drive, Sedona, AZ, on the right side, almost seamlessly "within" the Elk's Lodge parking lot. It's heartening to know that this significant piece of Sedona's past is currently undergoing restoration, ensuring its history is preserved for future generations.
My dad, born in Sedona on July 2, 1936, had roots that stretched deep into this Arizona soil. Although his family moved to Flagstaff shortly after his birth, a lifelong connection to the land of his origins remained. It brings a profound sense of peace to know that after a life rich with experiences, his final resting place is here, connecting him eternally to the very place where his journey began, amidst the stories of Sedona's pioneers.
Visiting, or even just thinking about, Cooks Cedar Glade Cemetery evokes a powerful mix of emotions. It's a place where the stunning natural beauty seems to cradle the memories of those who have passed. When I picture his grave, I don't just see a stone marker; I see the man who served proudly in the U.S. Air Force, including his time in Vietnam, who retired from the Navajo Army Depot as a gifted munitions handler, and who found joy in the simple, yet profound, pursuits of life. I remember "Earlybird," the skilled motorcycle mechanic, the avid hunter and fisherman, and the craftsman behind intricate leatherwork.
His presence, while no longer physical, feels strongest in places like this – where the earth remembers him, and the Arizona sun shines down on his memory. It's a space where thoughts of his life, his dedication, and his quiet passions come into sharp focus. Here, amidst the quiet dignity of the cemetery, enriched by its deep history, it's easier to feel the enduring impact he had on his wife, Joan, on me, his son, and on everyone who knew him.
Preserving a Legacy
Cooks Cedar Glade Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it's a testament to a life well-lived, a connection to a beloved landscape, and a touchstone for remembrance. It's where my family and I can come to feel close to him, to share stories, and to simply be present with his memory. Knowing he rests peacefully here, surrounded by the beauty of Sedona and its rich past, offers a comfort that transcends grief. His journey on that "good old gospel ship" continues, and this beautiful spot in Arizona is a cherished port of call for our memories.
As we reflect on the enduring legacy of Earl Clinton Hedges Sr. and the deep connection he shares with this land, it's also important to acknowledge those who actively safeguard its history. Today, the cemetery is proudly owned and maintained by the Sedona Historical Society. This non-profit organization tirelessly researches, preserves, and teaches the history of the greater Sedona area, focusing on the pioneering spirits who shaped this community from 1876 to the present. Their dedication ensures that places like Cooks Cedar Glade Cemetery remain hallowed ground, telling the stories of generations past. It brings comfort to know that my father rests in a place so deeply cared for, a place where his individual story is intertwined with the larger tapestry of Sedona's rich and vibrant history.
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