Rev. Earnest Hegwood, Jr . was born on June 17, 1960, to Annette Evans and Earnest Hegwood, Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the second oldest of his six siblings. He entered eternal rest on January 1, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 65. A devoted servant of God, he finished his race on mission, faithful to the calling placed on his life.

Rev. Hegwood spent his childhood living in St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois. Working in his father's corner store and playing football. He played football at Central High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned a scholarship to play football at the University of Kansas. After his time on the University of Kansas football team, he remained a lifelong loyal fan.

Rev. Hegwood married Carol Stephens in 1979. To this union four children were born. He was a fun-loving father and even spent a few years coaching his daughter's basketball team at the Kensington Parks & Recreational Center.

Rev. Hegwood worked various factory jobs throughout his career. The last of which was working in management for Tenneco Automotive helping to manufacture parts for Ford Motor Company. Rev. Hegwood also worked as a Personal Finance Analyst for Primerica, Inc., providing insurance, investment, and financial services to many in need.

Rev. Hegwood united with Antioch Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1981 and proudly served 20 years as one of God's best Ushers until 2001 when he answered his call to preach. More recently, he was a devoted associate minister at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where he often preached, served, and used his gifts to lead the Young Adult and Intercessory Prayer Ministries.

His commitment to the Word of God extended beyond the walls of the church, as he was also an active participant in a weekly bible study for the KU Football Alumni, continuing to encourage faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth. He served faithfully in various roles within the Kaw Valley District, guiding the youth through Service Aid, Project 66, and other youth Bible discipleship programs.

Known for his availability and his servant's heart, Rev. Hegwood always answered when called—no matter the hour.

Beyond ministry, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and hearing about all the things they were doing. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawk Football fan. Watching all the games and keeping up with all the in-season and off-season news. He also enjoyed cooking and watching cooking shows for new ideas. His interests also included listening to music, playing games, counseling, teaching, and entrepreneurship.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Hegwood; children, Monique Hegwood, Jeanine Hegwood, Justin (Kasandra) Hegwood, and Dwayne Hegwood; grandchildren, Justice, Jaydon, Jordan, and Kennedy Hegwood; siblings, Alonzo Lewis, Anthony, Chris, Randy Hegwood, and Sherri Hegwood; along with many nieces, nephews, close friends, and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Earnest Hegwood, Sr., Annette Evans, and Sylvia Phelps. Rev. Earnest Hegwood, Jr. finished his life well, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, love, and commitment to God's call. Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."—2 Timothy 4:7

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at KU Medical Center for their care and compassion.

The family also extends a Huge thank you to daughter, Monique Hegwood for the many years of dedicated in-home nursing & caregiving attention given every day.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .