Al Smith Hendricks

Al ‘Sarge” Smith Hendricks, age 95, passed away at his home in Nida, Oklahoma on January 13, 2024. He was born on September 26,1928 in Nida, Oklahoma. A patriot and a proud USAF veteran, Al served 20 years, including two tours of duty in Viet Nam, and provided support as an aircraft mechanic to the USAF Thunderbirds. After his military service, he was employed for 12 years by Northrup Industries providing support to Operation Peace Hawk in Saudi Arabia. Al was a dutiful member of the Chickasaw nation and a member of the Chickasaw Warriors Society. He was a man of many talents and interests. In his youth, he traveled the country picking apples and working farmland. He was a pig farmer, a rancher, owned a welding shop, a trucking company, a butcher shop, and operated group homes for children in the custody of the court system in Phoenix, Arizona. He was also a well-traveled man, having visited every continent except for the Artic and Antarctica. He was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. While most people may talk the talk, Sarge walked the walk. He was a true friend and loved by all who knew him. Al is survived by his spouse, Wanda Hendricks of Nida, OK; son Michael L. Hendricks (Sherri) of Las Vegas, NV; brothers John Martin of Avondale. AZ, and Paul Martin (Marie) of Ardmore, OK; stepdaughters Leslie Trainor (Mark) of Nida, OK and Marisa Friedberg (Robert) of Montauk, NY; daughter-in-law Lisa Bynum of Sandy Valley, NV; grandson Ethan Hendricks (Susan) of Odessa, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, James A. Hendricks, and Gladys Colbert Hendricks; brother James Hendricks, Cadian “Tubbs” Hendricks, George “Monk” Hendricks, and Charlie Martin; son David Hendricks; and stepson Wayne Bynum. A graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Nida, OK on April 27,2024 at 11:00am, officiated by Buddy Parks and honors by the Chickasaw Honor Guard. A lunch will follow at the Nida Baptist Church. (In the event of rain, the service will be held at the church). Contributions in memory of Al, can be made to the Tishomingo American Legion Post 164 or any organization supporting veterans. The family would like to thank all who provided help during Al’s illness, especially staff at the Chickasaw Clinic in Tishomingo and the Chickasaw Medical Center in Ada, and Complete Home Health Care. Dearman-Clark Funeral Home in Tishomingo, OK, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Al Smith Hendricks

September 26, 1928 - January 13, 2024