Jackie Wendell Hendrix, age 78, of Kingsford Heights, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born on April 25, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late D.W. and Carrie Hendricks.

On June 28, 1966, Jackie married the love of his life, Gale Girton, in New Chicago, Indiana. Together, they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

In 1968, Jackie was drafted into the United States Army and went to war in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. After 13 months of service, he returned home on March 13, 1970, to his loving wife. He and Gale were lifelong members of VFW Post 5365 in Hobart, and Jackie was a 32nd-degree Mason with Dunes Masonic Lodge No. 741 in Portage.

Jackie retired from Inland Steel in 2002 after 30 years of dedicated service. He retired as a supervisor of the #3 Cold Strip West Plant 2, where he was respected for his hard work, leadership, and commitment. Above all, Jackie was a devoted family man who took great pride in caring for his loved ones and leaves behind a legacy of strength, dedication, and love

He is survived by his son, Marshall Hendrix; daughters, Candice (Fernando) Rodriguez, and Erin (Walter Kozik) Hendrix; grandchildren, Caitlin Hendrix, Lillian Hendrix, Emma Hendrix, Jason Kozik, Victoria Kozik, Charles Kozik, Skylar (Justin) Castaneda, and Nevaeh Kozik; great-grandchildren, Ella Alvarez, Jackie Alvarez, and Marcus Alvarez; brother, David Hendricks; and sisters, Wanda Weatherford and Susie Wherry.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gale Hendrix; and sister, Sharon Long.

Per Jackie’s wishes, there will be no services. Cremation was entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.