David Hendrix Obituary

I was shocked to learn of Dave's passing. Had I known, I would have dropped everything to pay my respects in person to his family. I have known Dave for 32 years, beginning when we were both assistant superintendents in Joliet, IL. We were about the same age and formed a bond that lasted throughout the years. We both served as school superintendents in various assignments following our Joliet experience and stayed in touch over the years. Since Dave retired a couple of years before me, I had the opportunity to secure his services as a consultant in my school district and to recommend him highly to many of my colleagues. It is difficult to accept the reality of losing a close colleague and friend. I would like to extend my sympathy and prayers to his family and all others who cared about Dave as I did.

I always respected Dave. He was a true leader and I considered it a privilege to have known him. I was glad to see him at the last Riley reunion. My sincerest condolences to Nancy and the entire Hendrix family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of the Fleming family, I want to express our deepest sympathy to Nancy, David M., Meredith and Allison. To you and the rest of your extended family whom we have come to love so much, we pray for God's peace to be upon you. May your memories of David be sweet and may they endure.

I had the honor of knowing David through Roger Miller, his friend and colleague. I worked at Hinsdale HSD 86 and enjoyed many contacts with David when he served as the Superintendent in Hinsdale District 181. He was a classy guy, very encouraging, and always had a smile for you. I would like to extend my sympathies and prayers to the family and many friends of David. He will be missed. God bless!

Dave was a great partner and friend. His commitment to excellence in education was appreciated by all in Hinsdale District 181. I pray and am comforted that he is in the Lord's hands.

Former Board President, Hinsdale District 181

My husband Ivan and I give our sincere condolences to the Hendrix's family. We enjoyed David's company in Valdosta when he visited Allison and Dave. He made us laugh and had a great sence of humor. He will be missed. We love you guys and you are in our prayers.

I worked with Dave in District 99 where I knew him to be a wonderful support to teachers and staff, serious about creating a good school for kids and a man full of life and energy. My deepest sympathy to his family. Kathy

Dave, Kristin and Vivi: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always and especially during this time- Dad, Pat, Alex and Andrea.

My Deepest sympathies go out to the family of Dave. I had the pleasure to meet and ski with Dave on several western ski trips and at Boyne Mtn. I was his roommate with his friend JV. A JV sponsored ski trip has many awards; Dave and I are the only 2 to receive the coveted "Hot Chocolate & Marshmallow Award". Dave & I were busted enjoying some friend time inside and not on the hill on a cold day just having great conversation and laughs. He was the type of a person that you could always gain wisdom from. I know that he has been a great friend, teacher, mentor, leader to many. Dave spoke often of what a happy and proud husband, father and grandfather he was. I will miss him. I am blessed to have been able to share a few choice days with him. He lived life!

I am shocked to learn of Dave's passing. He was my Superintendent in District 181 for 5 years. He was a mentor to me and many other administrators. He hired me as Director of Human Resources. He was a dynamic person, a strong leader, expecting the best from his administrative team. He was proud of us and we were proud to work for him. He made an impact on so many people's lives. My deepest sympathy to his family.

I worked closely with Dave for 7 years in District 181 -- he was great to work for and a great teacher to other administrators. He was fun, upbeat, and dedicated. I learned a lot from him and will always remember him with fondness and admiration.

Working with Dave (never used the expression for) in Dist. 99 was very enjoyable and I have many good memories from our years together. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time.

My deepest sympathy to Dave's family and friends. Dave Hendrix was an extraordinary educator and leader who hired me as a principal in District 181, Hinsdale. All of us who had the distinct pleasure of working with Dave admired his energy and "can do" attitude. He expected much from his staff but also was a model of dedication to making schooling the very best for students in his charge. He was simply one of the best supertintendents ever...completely in charge, a swift decision maker, and always, displayed good judgement. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work and know Dave Hendrix, and I'm sure, he will be greatly missed by many.

I too am shocked at the passing of Dave. I have always admired Dave's zest for life and his desire to live life to it's fullest.

Dave:

You have gone far too soon and will be sorely missed, but your smile, your good humor and your many kindnesses will long be remembered.

Dave always smiled when I called him a mensch, and that's what he was. Dave was a big picture guy with a big heart. Most of all, he used his formidable intellect never to belittle but to do good. Whatta guy! I really loved him and working with him. All my memories of Dave will always include accomplishments and hearty laughter. May his memory always be a blessing.

My husband Don and I were shocked to learn of David's death. When we moved back to South Bend we were welcomed with open arms by Dave at Grace Church. He was very helpful in Don's teaching endeavors and always offered advice or a helpful recommendation. We admired him for his love of life and how athletic he was! Especially on the ski slope!
We will miss him, but are confident that he had a relationship with God and is sitting along side him.

I will miss David greatly. He was my superintendent and friend in District 181. I admired his leadership, strength and love for his family. I will greatly miss him.

Our memories are so rich and joy-filled!
The laughter we shared will always be cherished . We will remember with gratitude the gift of friendship.
Our hearts will tenderly hold all of you in this very personal loss.
To celebrate a life well lived with such fullness and never ending enthusiasm is a honor.
Roger and Judy Miller

With heart felt sympathy our thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

Kathy & Hal Moore (Valdosta, Ga.)

We grieve for our loss, but not for Dave who is at home in Heaven now. Dave had a tremendous impact om my life through his work at Habitat, where he jumped in to help improve and grow the Cornerstone Training Program which continues to train homeowners and volunteers in construction skills and improves their lives all over the U.S.A. Dave was devoted and passionate about everything he did, and has mentored me which has allowed me to reach a potential I didn't even realize I had. My most prized memories with Dave are spending an afternoon bike riding through Potato Creek State Park, and watching the boy-like wonder as we came across some deer on the trail, and meeting with him at Starbucks one last time before moving away where he became so emotional he couldn't speak. I always knew he was important to me, and he showed me then how important I was to him.
I will miss you, my friend, but you live on in my heart. Until we rejoice together in Heaven, so long. . .

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

UNCLE DAVE,
WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU ALWAYS. I WILL MISS PICKING ON YOU AT ALL THE FAMILY GATHERING HUDDLING AROUND THE FOOD.
LOVE ALWAYS,
JOHNNY AND JENN