Roger G Hendrix

Roger Hendrix, 90, passed away in peace on Friday, January 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will take place Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Homes located at 515 High St., Worthington, OH 43085. Born on June 7, 1933, to Corinne and Franklin Hendrix, Roger was an only child following the untimely death of his father months later. He grew up in Columbus, the city where he later met his wife of 66 years, Pat; raised his ever-growing family, taught high school biology, and coached countless young men on the gridiron. He graduated from North High School in 1951, the school he later returned to as a biology teacher, football and wrestling coach, and its athletic director until it closed. If he stumbled upon a student asking to go to the nurse’s office for a Band-Aid, Roger was quick to pull one from his wallet to make sure they wouldn’t miss –– or skip –– class. Roger attended Capital University and played on the football team before leaving school to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He said the most beautiful sight in the world –– second only to his wife –– was returning to the States and seeing the Statue of Liberty from a boat in New York Harbor. He received his bachelor's degree in 1958 and a master's degree from West Virginia University in 1963. High school sports were Roger's passion. Roger took great pride in his dozens of student athletes and keeping them motivated on the field and in the classroom. He hosted pizza party film sessions for years, and Pat was his statistician and constant companion at every game. He also umpired high school baseball for more than 40 years, was a longtime volunteer at the Ohio High School Sports Association and traveled the state with Pat performing rules interpretation for the baseball community. Roger was a founding member of North Community Lutheran Church on Morse Road, where he and the family were members until it closed. He and Pat later attended Clinton Heights Lutheran Church. More than anything, Roger’s cherished moments were those spent with his family and friends for birthdays and holidays, traveling the country with detailed itineraries, visiting spring training each year, and playing rounds of golf with Pat. A family man at heart, Roger treasured the time spent with his four children and their spouses, 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and the Keeton family dog, Mack. He was a constant presence in the bleachers at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and extracurriculars. He kept a running list of the best milkshakes he encountered on his travels. He always made sure the grass was mowed at home and at the church. Roger and Pat set a high bar for their children, leading by example and giving selflessly and sacrificially to the Lord, their family, and their community. If his health hadn’t slowed him down in the last few years, Roger would still be walking to the Ohio High School Sports Association’s office to stuff envelopes for coaches and officials, with a packed lunch in one hand and his wife in the other. Roger’s leadership and love will be missed, but his example will carry on through his loved ones forever and will be felt by all. He is survived by his beloved wife Pat, children Jim (Lori), Barb (Jere), Bev (Dave) and Steve (Laurie), grandchildren Sheridan, Cole, Quinn, Brittany, Tatum, Emily, Allison, Adam, Morgan, Natalie, Greg, Alex, and Owen, and their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Roger G Hendrix

June 7, 1933 - January 26, 2024