Hugh ‘Hooter’ Fleming Hendrickson, age 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 20, 2026, in Smith Center, Kansas. Hooter was born August 12, 1933, in Lebanon, Kansas to Donald F. Hendrickson and Ada Belle Colhour Hendrickson. He grew up in Lebanon as an only child, graduating from the high school in 1951. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Seaman on the U.S.S. Boxer. An avid storyteller, he loved sharing stories of his time in the service and all the characters with whom he served.
After his discharge in 1957 and trying a few jobs, he began driving trucks for several companies before joining the Smith County workforce hauling heavy equipment, until he retired in 1998.
He loved cars, motorcycles and airplanes, especially those of the WWII/50s era. Hoot was a collector of treasures, keeping memorabilia from his childhood, letters and military records of relatives who served in the Civil War, and both World Wars, especially a favorite uncle, Junior Colhour. Of course, he was also a collector of other 'treasures', of which his family is dreading sifting through.
In 1977, at the age of 43, Hooter took on the ‘daunting’ task of marrying Della Heine Williamson, a widow with 5 children, including a teenage daughter still at home. He became a husband, father, and a grandfather in one giant leap. He jumped in and the family fully embraced him where he quickly learned about life in a big, loving family. He shared how blessed he was to love Della and have family to love and care for him, especially as his health began declining.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Jerry Maxwell. Left to mourn his loss is his wife, Della, Smith Center, step-daughter, Barbie (Brad) Timmons, Smith Center, step-daughter, Jody Maxwell, Smith Center, step-son, Jay (Jane) Williamson, Marysville, step-son, David (Pearl) Williamson, Baldwin City, and step-daughter, Jana (Scott) Horsfall, Hays, thirteen (13) grandchildren and their spouses, twenty-seven (27) great-grandchildren and spouses, and two (2) great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, Smith Center, KS.
Celebration of Life Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary.
Inurnment will be at the Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Smith County Historical Society and can be sent in care of the mortuary.
To leave an online condolence visit www.rfmortuaries.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Rentschler Family Mortuaries, Simmons-Rentschler Chapel, Smith Center, KS.