Lonnie Hendricks

HENDRICKS, LONNIE- Lonnie Hendricks passed away on September 13, 2018 in Roswell, New Mexico after a brief battle with cancer and complications of a stroke. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018, 11:00 AM at Christ Church, 2200 N. Sycamore Avenue, Roswell, New Mexico. Pastor Lyman Graham, officiating.

Ira "Lonnie" Hendricks was a lifelong resident of Chaves County being born in Roswell, New Mexico, February 4, 1942, to Howard and Eva (Reeves) Hendricks. He was named after his paternal grandfather, Ira Hendricks and his mother's oldest brother, Lonnie Reeves, two wonderful men. As most farm kids do, Lonnie learned to drive a tractor at an early age and was given many responsibilities on the farm, instilling a love for the land and farming at an early age. Lonnie attend Roswell schools and graduated from RHS. While in high school he was active in Future Farmers of America. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the Marines.

Lonnie did his basic training at Camp Pendleton, California and was stationed there for his entire military career except for one tour of duty in Japan. Lonnie was a Motor Vehicle Operator, a good assignment where he could use his driving skills. At one time he was a driver for one of the Generals. He also won an award in a driving competition on the base. At the time of his discharge he was a Corporal.

After serving his country, Lonnie returned to Roswell and his love of farming. He was not a "big" farmer by modern standards, but he worked hard and was proud of what he accomplished. He married Gennean Chesser and they had one son Karl. They were a team in marriage and in farming celebrating 50 years of marriage in June, 2018. When Lonnie's dad died he purchased the family farm from his mother and continued to farm it until his death. Lonnie was proud of what he did, he was organized and precise in all his dealings.

Lonnie will be remembered by many in the community for his acts of kindness for family, friends and strangers. When Roswell use to get huge snow storms, he would take his tractor and pull people out of bar ditches, many would not even say "thank you", but that did not stop him from helping others. He spent many hours sitting with family and friends who were in the hospital, it was not uncommon of him to get in his car and drive a long distance because someone might need him. Lonnie spent many hours helping elderly people that needed his help, endearing himself to them. Lonnie never wanted in attention for the things he did.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Eva Hendricks, one sister Rita Mae, grandparents Ira and Winnie (Pirtle) Hendricks, and Austin and Eula (Woodson) Reeves, plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members.

Lonnie is survived by his wife Gennean, son Karl Hendricks of Albuquerque, NM, brother, Larry Hendricks, Tulia, TX, sisters Martha Rains of Tucson, AZ and Sheila (James) Richardson of College Station, TX, two aunts and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family sincerely invites you to join them for lunch after the service in the foyer of Christ Church. It will be a time to visit with the family and friends.

Service