Vernon Hendrickson | Eastern North Carolina Now

Born: January 24, 1920, Died: August 13, 2015

    Vernon Hendrickson, 95, affectionately known as "Papah" by his family, passed peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, August 13, 2015. He was most recently a resident at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, TN.

    He was born on January 24, 1920 in Pineville, KY to Thomas Arthur and Mossie (Maude) Hendrickson. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Washington, North Carolina for over 44 years and considered many of its members as family. He married Maxene Smith Hendrickson on February 19, 1943. They were married 57 years before her passing in June 2000.

    He is survived by his two sons; David (Susan) of Washington, NC and Steve (Christine) Hendrickson of Atoka, TN, six grandchildren; Brian (Charlotte), Derek, Ashley (Marta), Tyler, Taylor and Tess Hendrickson, along with four great-grandchildren; Ryan, Claire, Cody and Alex. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the 5th Army, 47th field artillery battalion and was an active participant in several major campaigns of that war.

    Upon receiving his honorable discharge in November 1945, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he graduated and received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1950. He retired from Texas Gulf Sulphur, Inc. as its chief electrical engineer in 1985 and spent his retirement enjoying the company of his wife, sons, and family.

He had five brothers and sisters; Shirley, Clifton, Laura, Ernest and Myrtle whom he is now with in heaven along with his parents. It was his wish to be cremated. A memorial service will be conducted later this month in Tennessee to honor him.

    Condolences may be made to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com