Benard Calvin (Nard) Hendrick VI, 72 years, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 23, 2012.
Nard was born in Odessa, TX, September 24, 1939, to Benard Calvin (Son) Hendrick V and Hazel Eisenwine Hendrick. He attended Austin Elementary, Crockett Jr. High, graduated from Odessa High School in 1958, attended Texas Christian University and received his BBA degree in 1962.
Nard and Marita Drennan were married September 9, 1961, in Odessa at the Highland Methodist Church and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September.
After he graduated from TCU, Nard and Marita moved back to Odessa. Nard began a 36 year career with El Paso Products Company. In 1986 Nard was transferred to the Houston office. After retiring in 1998, Nard and Marita returned to Odessa. Nard enjoyed working with the people he met during his career. He and Marita cherished many friendships that continued even after his retirement.
He was a lifetime member of First Christian Church (FCC). Nard's paternal grandparents, B.C. and Elizabeth Hendrick, were pioneer members of the FCC in Odessa, Texas. His maternal parents, Julius and Carrie Eisenwine, were founding members of the FCC in Pecos, Texas. Nard loved First Christian Church. During his lifetime, he served as Board Chairman, Trustee, Elder, Deacon, Treasurer, and Stewardship chairman numerous times. He also loved his Carpenter Sunday School Class and the many friendships that developed over the years. Upon returning to Odessa, Nard dedicated his time, energy, and spirit working for the FCC.
Coaching sports and mentoring youths were Nard's great loves. He coached the San Jacinto Cardinals Pop Warner Football Team from 1974-1977. However, his greatest joy was little league baseball. He coached the Howell & Windham Little League baseball team at Jim Parker Park and won a little league championship in 1976. He then coached the High Jr's and High Sr's teams at the American Legion Baseball Park from 1977-1984. Many of his former players have fond memories and still tell great stories about their experiences playing for Nard.
Nard was an active member of the Odessa community. For many years, he was involved in the High Noon Optimist Club and served as president in 1980. As a member of the Optimist Club, he participated in all their activities, including Odessa Youth Baseball, Golden Gloves boxing, Christmas Tree sales, and numerous other activities. Nard served on the Children's Milk Council, which served the disadvantaged children of Odessa.
As a life-long supporter of Odessa High School (OHS), he especially loved high school football. He was an active member of the OHS Booster Club and served as president in 1982-83. He also enjoyed participating on the Boys and Girls Club Board. More recently, he was appointed and served as a member of the Zoning and Adjustment Board for the City of Odessa.
One of Nard's favorite hobbies was hunting. Although he enjoyed September dove hunts, his most enjoyable time in the field was chasing blue quail throughout West Texas. Nard particularly enjoyed hunting with his family and friends. He often walked miles and miles to continue the chase. Just two weeks ago, Nard chased his last blue quail with his son, Cal. Because of his love for hunting, he was a member of the West Texas Safari Club. He served as treasurer numerous times.
Nard was committed to service. He supported Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School. He and his family recently created a scholarship at Brite Divinity School to help fund the education of those students seeking to enter the call to ministry. Every third Tuesday, Nard delivered Meals on Wheels. He also enjoyed working with his 1958 OHS classmates planning their high school reunions every 5 years.
He was a member of the Odessa Country Club (OCC) and after his retirement loved playing golf and the camaraderie in the Men's Locker Room. Nard was famous for the number of hours he spent practicing his golf swing, hitting golf balls, and putting. He hit more golf balls in a week than most golfers hit in a year. He particularly enjoyed playing golf every Wednesday with his golfing buddies. His friends met each Saturday morning for their weekly breakfast group at OCC. Nard also participated in the First Tuesday Dinner Club, Wednesday morning Bible Study, Calendar Club, and Thursday lunch group.
His greatest love was his two grandchildren, Benard Calvin (Hunter) Hendrick VIII and Kaitlin Camille Hendrick. He loved going to all of their activities, taking them to school and picking them up, having a play business in his home office, taking them with him to deliver Meals on Wheels, and sharing many special moments with them when they were together including playing games and cards.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marita Drennan Hendrick; daughter, Kathy Hendrick of Denison, Texas; son, Benard Calvin (Cal) Hendrick VII, wife Amy, and their two children, Hunter and Kaitlin of Odessa; sister, Judy Hendrick of Fort Worth; one nephew and several cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents, B.C. "Son" and Hazel Hendrick, and his younger brother, Beau Jack Hendrick.
Interment will be at 11:00 am Monday, February 27, 2012, at Sunset Memorial Gardensand a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, February 27, 2012, at First Christian Church Odessa. The family will receive visitors at a reception following the service.
Honorary Pall Bearers will be members of his OCC Golf Group, Saturday morning breakfast bunch, Wednesday morning Bible Study, and the men of Carpenter Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the First Christian Church 601 N. Lee, Meals on Wheels-1314 E. 5th St, or Court Appointed Special Advocates in the Ector County Courthouse.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa.
Thank You Note from Marita Drennan Hendrick.
This is the only way I know to thank the entire class for the beautiful Red and White spray of flowers with a banner "Class of '58" that was sent for Nard's funeral. He had continued to follow OHS through the years.
Since his death was so sudden, I will share the information from the preliminary autopsy report and I will make it simple. A blood clot from somewhere broke loose and went to his lung. He had not been ill but had not felt well all week.
