Mendal E. Hendrickson, 1916-2003, Knob Noster

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Mendal Earl Hendrickson, 86, of Knob Noster, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, at the Country Club Care Center.

He was born Dec. 11, 1916, in Shamrock, Okla., a son of Earl and Jane Sample Hendrickson. On March 13, 1943, in Greenville, S.C., he was married to Vinita Garrett, who survives of the home.

Mr. Hendrickson was an Air Force veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater. He also served in Korea and Vietnam. He was an engineer gunner on a B-24, flying on 57 missions. He retired with 30 years of service. He then worked in Civil Service at Whiteman Air Force Base for 10 years. He was Baptist and a volunteer at the base for retirees.

Also surviving are three daughters, Joyce James, of Warrensburg, Judy Treat, of Omaha, Neb., and Barbara Hendrickson Kinsey, of Overland Park, Kan.; a sister, Juanita Cary, of West Plains; and eight grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Hendrickson, who was killed in Saipan during the World War II; and a sister, Watseka Boyd.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Knob Noster, with Jeff Hastings officiating. Pallbearers will be James Hart, Jason James, Jeff James, Jimie James, David Treat and Marshall Treat. Burial will be in Knob Noster Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 131 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2513. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time Saturday.