Edward Hendricks

Edward Lee Hendricks, 77, died surrounded by loving family at his home in Festus, MO on November 29th, 2020. Eddie’s heart was irreparably damaged following a major heart attack at age 39 and he lived with its reduced function for much of his life. But no man had a bigger heart when it came to family and friends. He will be forever remembered by his wife of 37 years, Mary (nee’ Johnson); his children (Alan, Brian, Laura Linneer, Christopher, and Dennis aka “Mike”) from his former wife Jeanne (nee’ Diamond); eleven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Eddie was born on May 23rd, 1943 in Poplar Bluff, MO, to Pearl Gladys Kennedy and Jesse Ray Hendricks. He was the youngest of 12 siblings. His sisters Bonnie Edwards and Alma Payne, and his brother Norman survive to mourn the loss of their baby brother.

Eddie was 18 when he first enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1962. Following his initial enlistment, he left the service to become a St. Louis police officer for two years, but soon reenlisted in the Air Force where he served honorably for the defense of our country and its founding ideals until he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1984. Eddie's military career sent him to assignments all over the world, including Japan, Germany, Korea, and a combat tour in Vietnam. It was during his final assignment at Scott Air Force Base, IL that Eddie met Mary, the love of his life. They were married in 1983 and remained inseparable to the end.

Eddie was proud to be the first in his family ever to obtain a college degree which he earned attending weekend and evening classes after work. Ultimately, he earned a master’s degree as well. Throughout his life, Eddie enjoyed card and board games. Pinochle and Chickenfoot dominoes were particular favorites and became traditions whenever family gathered. He was renowned for his biscuits & gravy breakfasts and potato candy sweets, special family recipes that he ensured would live on with his children. An avid reader, Eddie left close to 1000 books adorning bookshelves throughout his home. An equally avid numismatist, he collected thousands of coins, tokens, silver rounds, ingots, and medals only to give them all away as gifts.

A man of strong principles and strength of character, Eddie left this life as he lived his life … on his own terms. His family held a private interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on December 7th, 2020. Memorial contributions in memory of Edward L. Hendricks may be made to the American Heart Association.