Donald Eugene Hendrickson

Born November 6, 1929, in Emporia, Kansas, Don spent most of his young life in Appleton City, Missouri, where he attended Appleton City Schools. In those early years, his determination and spirited presence were already evident—whether playing cornet in the school band or excelling on the basketball team, where he earned the nickname “Shorty.”

After delivering groceries in Appleton City, Don entered the United States Air Force, where he found work he truly enjoyed as an Air Traffic Controller. His service carried him across the world and throughout the United States, including Tokyo, Japan; Wind over, Utah; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; Hulman Field, Indiana; Santa Barbara, Calif; Cooke, Calif.; LaJes Field, Azores; Spokane, Washington; Fairchild, Washington; Hill AFB, Utah; Korat, Thailand; Mountain Home, Idaho; and, finally, Richards-Gebaur in Kansas City. He retired from the Air Force on January 31, 1972, having built a life marked by resilience, purpose, and an example that quietly inspired those around him.

In 1972, Don began a remarkable second career in real estate that would span more than five decades, from 1972 to 2025—fifty-three years total. He worked with Lloyd Hill Realty and Grafton Realty, opened his own office, Hendrickson Realty, in 1975. Later joining the Coldwell Banker franchise, including CB Hendrickson, CB All American Realty, and, finally, Coldwell Banker Regan Realtors. Through years of steady work and enduring commitment, he became a cherished presence to colleagues, clients, and friends alike.

Don also devoted himself to community and fellowship. He joined the Masonic Lodge in 1964 in Spokane and later transferred to Grandview/Belton, continuing with the Scottish Rite. He became a member of Ararat Shrine on August 23, 1986, remaining active to the present, including participation with the Motor Corps (White Harleys). His involvement included Kukkulcan16a Coate in the Order of Quetzalcoatl on February 11, 2001, Artisan on January 1, 2001, and Master Artisan on January 29, 2002. On January 20, 2005, he traveled to Mexico, where he received his pyramid. Alongside his work in real estate and his Shrine activities, Don traveled as much as possible, embracing each new place with the same steadfast energy that shaped his life.

Don was preceded in death by his father, John Hendrickson (1975); mother, Ruby Ellen Hendrickson (1998); sister, Lucille Snethen (2007); sister-in-law, Marie Hendrickson (2009); brother, Harold (Red) Hendrickson (2011); and step- son, Michael Scott Stewart (1996).

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Mary Ellsworth Hendrickson (45+ years), of Raymore, MO; son, Mark Hendrickson (Sara), Chesapeake, VA & Christa, VA; daughter, Cindy Hendrickson, Denver, CO; and Brian (Nicole) Stewart, Grandview, MO; his grandchildren, Tiffany Jeffris (Wayne), Melissa Hendrickson, Brandi Mills (Randy), Tanya Dupnik (Mike), Kaitlin Stewart, and Tucker Stewart; his great-grandchildren Tyler Hendrickson, Elizabeth Jeffris, Daniel Jeffris, Dylan Hendrickson, Ashlee Mills, Eathan Mills, Shayne, Jeremy, and Kolten Dupnik; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. With the Memorial Service to follow from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with full military honors. The Committal Service will take place after military honors at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Following the service a Reception will take place at Mt. Moriah Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner Hospital: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give/donate.

The family would like to thank Lee's Summit Medical Center and their ICU for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days. The family also extends sincere appreciation to Harbor Hospice Care of Independence, MO, and to the Raymore Fire Department & Ambulance Services for their quick response.