Gordon "Gus" Eugene Hendricks Jr.

Gus was born in Pensacola, Florida, on September 14, 1939. As the son of a US Marine Corps Officer, Gus grew up moving to different military bases all over the US and spent a couple of years in Guam, until a strong typhoon hit the island closing down the base. Later he would graduate from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1957. Gus received an ROTC scholarship to the Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration.

Following his graduation from Tech, he reported to Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia for basic training. From there he was assigned to active duty in Hawaii, a dream assignment for Gus and Mary Ellen as young newlyweds. Their first two daughters were born there, and Gus thrived as a young Marine officer. Qualifying as a Marine Corps Rifle Expert was one of his proud achievements. He attained the rank of Captain at the end of his four years in Hawaii. The discipline and values of the Marine Corps would be evident in all his endeavors to follow.

After his service in Hawaii, Gus and family returned to Florida where he embarked on a successful career in the financial sector. The first stop was training in New York and then Clearwater, Florida where daughter number three was born. There would be a number of moves to follow managing Merrill Lynch offices in Sarasota, New Orleans, Wichita Falls, St. Paul, and San Antonio. Gus retired in San Antonio after a rewarding and successful career with Merrill Lynch and many fond memories and friendships made along the way. He and Mary Ellen then returned to Florida to enjoy the beach life in New Smyrna Beach. Later, they moved to The Woodlands, Texas to be closer to family.

Throughout his life, Gus was known for his strong work ethic and sense of humor. He loved to work out and was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and tennis player. Both Ben Hogan and Gus were one of the few people who could hit a one-iron. He was an active member of the Republican Party and had the honor of organizing a fundraiser for Ronald Reagan in Wichita Falls, Texas where he met the future President in person.

Gus loved spending time with his family, taking them on exciting trips, including a sailboat trip throughout the Caribbean, a dude ranch in Texas, multiple trips to Disney World, and yearly trips to New Smyrna Beach. Family to Gus included his dogs, and he adored each and every one of them. You could often find him in his driveway, detailing his sports car with his dog by his side.

Gus is preceded in death by his parents, USMC Brigadier General Gordon Eugene Hendricks, Sr., and Bonnie Mae Johnston Hendricks.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly sixty-five years, Mary Ellen Hendricks, with whom he shared a beautiful marriage that began on October 7, 1961. Together they built a loving family, including three daughters, Stacy, Chris, and Beth.

Stacy is married to Barry Edick, and has one son, Brian. Chris is married to Richard Patience and has one son, Chase. Chase Hodson is married to Tracy, and has one son, Cameron. Beth is married to John Clark, and has two children, Heather and Cody. Cody Clark is engaged to be married to Sarah. Heather Clark lives with her partner Anthony, and has two children, Anthony and Amari. Gus enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who provided Gus with compassionate care during his final days. A service to honor Gus’s life will be held at Houston National Cemetery at a future date, where his life will be celebrated.

A Graveside Service will be held at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas 77038, on October 7, 2026, from 11:15 am to 11:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gus’s honor may be made to Folds of Honor, America's VetDogs, or the charity of your choice.

Gus’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him and whose lives he touched.