Thomas "Tom" W. Hendrix

Thomas Walter “Tom” Hendrix, of Prairie Home, MO, was born on Friday, April 13, 1951, in St. Louis, MO to Herbert Stanley Hendrix and Bonnie Ruth Hendrix, nee Horton.  He finally gave up the fight to stage four pancreatic cancer and found peace at last on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the age of 74 years, 3 months, and 21 days.

Tom was a man of great faith and conviction who had accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and was an active member of Riverside Christian Church in Boonville, MO. His spiritual life was a cornerstone of his identity and guided him throughout his years. A passionate amateur radio operator, Tom found joy in connecting with others across the airwaves.  His interest in radio reflected both his technical curiosity and his desire to reach out to people near and far.  He was involved in the Boonville Amateur Radio Club Ham Fest for many years. Tom was also musically gifted and loved playing bluegrass music on both the guitar and banjo, even building banjos for a while. He taught networking from 1993 to 2011 at Boonville Vocational and Technical School and then electrical equipment repair at Saline County Career Center in Marshall, MO from 2011 to 2015.

Tom’s life was marked by quiet strength and enduring faith.  His presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends. May his memory bring comfort to all those who knew him.

He was a devoted husband and father to his beloved wife, Deborah “Debbie” Hendrix, nee Upton, of 43 years and his five children: Eric (Wendy) Hendrix of Topeka, KS, Melanie (Joe) Bennett of Linn Creek, MO, Christopher Hendrix of Kansas City, MO, Joseph Hendrix of Columbia, MO, and the late Justin Hendrix. Tom’s love for his family extended to his six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.  He also cherished the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who enriched his life. Tom shared a close bond with his siblings.  He is survived by his brother Warren (Shirley) Hendrix of Steelville, MO and sister Wanda “Gail” Miller of Columbia, MO; brothers-in-law JC “Doc” Rush of Clanton, GA, Jack Dotzman of Leeton, MO, Larry (Ruth) Upton of Etterville, MO and Donnie (Lana) Upton of Osage Beach, MO. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Ruth Hendrix; beloved wife Debbie Hendrix; son Justin Hendrix; sisters Ladonna Dotzman and Linda Rush; brother-in-law Jim Fountain; and great granddaughter Temperance Hill.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO. A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 12:00 PM with Rev. Rick Haggett officiating.  Inurnment is at Moutray Cemetery, Steelville, MO.

All arrangements under the care of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.       

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