Obituary of Joe Milton Hendry

During the early morning hours of March 11, 2016, Joe M. Hendry passed away peacefully at home comforted by his loving wife Kathleen. At the time of his passing, Joe was 89 years old. Joe was born in the town of Trenton, Florida on April 28, 1926. He was the second child and first son of Clarence Earl Hendry and Alice Gertrude Milton Hendry. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Earl Hendry, Jr., Ella Rae Hendry and Earlene Hendry; and Joe's wife of almost fifty years, Marjorie Combs Hendry. Joe is survived by his wife, Kathleen Hendry; his son, Joseph "Jody" M. Hendry II (wife Lisa); grandchildren, Joseph "Jay" M. Hendry III (wife Darcie), Travis D. Hendry (wife Amanda); and granddaughter, Laura Lee Hendry. Joe is also survived by his step-daughter, Laura Persinger (husband Tim); and step-grandchildren, Jessica Zielinski (husband Robert and baby Hudson) and Dalton Persinger. Joe is also survived by his sister, Betty Kent; and many nieces and nephews. Joe grew up in Brandon Florida. He graduated from Brandon High School and was president of his class for three years and voted most sophisticated and biggest flirt. Joe came to Hendry County as a teen, staying with his Aunt Lois and Uncle Barney Barron. He worked on the family ranch for his grandfather where his main job was to chauffeur his grandfather. Soon after high school, Joe enlisted in the Marines and fought for his country during WWII. After the war Joe moved to Hendry County. Joe was a third generation Florida cattle rancher and was the owner and manager of his own cattle ranch until his retirement in 1988. Joe's primary hobby was golf which he dearly loved. He was an active member of the Clewiston Golf Course and the Clewiston Country Club. Joe held the low score record at the Clewiston Golf Course for many years. Joe was an astute businessman and was a Director and founding member of Clewiston National Bank. Those of us who knew and loved Joe will mourn his loss. He was always a gentleman and a great man.