Dr. Frank “Doc” Hideg, Jr., 84, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Mercy Health.
Doc was born on May 28, 1942, to the late Frank George Hideg, Sr. and Mary Jean Lacuniak Hideg. He grew up in Madison, Illinois, and graduated from Madison High School, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He was a graduate of Central Methodist University in 1964 and Lincoln College of Chiropractic in 1968.
Doc began his chiropractic career in Paducah and quickly became established as a leader in the field. He was appointed to the Kentucky State Board of Chiropractic Examiners from 1976 - 2008 and was a director of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners from 1978 to 2007. He served as president from 1992-98 and chairman of the board from 1999- 2007. Doc was proud of his work to advance the profession and grateful for the lifelong friendships he made during his board tenures. In 2012, he and his dear friend, Dr. John Arnold, were recognized by the Kentucky Association of Chiropractors with Lifetime Achievement awards for their contributions to the field.
As successful as he was as a chiropractor, Doc was undoubtedly better known for his baseball career. Serving as the manager of the American Legion Post 31 baseball team from 1974-1997, he was a coach and mentor to countless players. While there is no doubt that Doc liked to win, helping his players become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field, was his true passion. Nothing made him happier than securing college scholarships for boys who wanted to continue their baseball careers beyond high school.
Following in the footsteps of his friend and mentor, J. Polk Brooks, Doc is credited for saving Brooks Stadium from demolition by securing labor and funding to restore and renovate the ballpark. He was dedicated to meticulously maintaining the field for more than 30 years and was extremely proud and humbled that “Doc Hideg Field” was named in his honor. Doc is also credited for his role in bringing the Paducah Chiefs back to the area, providing yet another opportunity to promote the game he loved so much.
Doc was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Judy; his parents; and his sister, Judy Walker.
He is survived by his daughter, Janie Criner (Andy); sons Frankie Hideg (Crystal) and Michael Hideg (Julie); seven grandchildren, Alex Hideg (Kelsi), Caroline Criner Parente (Kyle), Kate Criner, Connor Hideg, Frannie Hideg, Landon Hideg, and Olive Hideg; one great-grandson, Brayden Hideg, and his faithful canine companion, Moby Doc.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Brooks Stadium from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be at St. Francis de Sales on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Child Watch-CASA of West Kentucky, PO Box 1262, Paducah, KY 42002-1262.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
