Leonard R. Hendrix

Leonard R. (Lenny) Hendrix, 83, of Ilion, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side, on Friday, September 5, 2025, in Utica.
Len was born on June 19,1942 in Ilion. He was the son of the late Howard L. and Erminia M. (Whiter) Hendrix. On September 5, 1964, he married the love of his life, Sandra O’Kusko in Ilion. They were celebrating their 61st anniversary when he passed.
He was a graduate of Ilion Schools and Simmons Institute of Embalming and Mortuary Science. Following graduation from Simmons, he served his residency in Tupper Lake, returning to the family business in 1963. Len owned and operated the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home with his parents, his wife Sandy and later his son Scott. Len “retired” in 2020.
Len was a very giving and caring person who was always serving his community and the families he served. He was a 62-year member of the IVFD C.W. Carpenter Hose Co. #2, was Past President of the Ilion Board of Light and the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association, a member of the Ilion Elks #1444, the Ilion Masonic Lodge and a 32nd degree Master Mason. He served in the Herkimer County Legislature, District 6 for 34 years and was Chairman for 4 years. During his time in the legislature, he was instrumental in the planning and construction of the new jail. Len also served on the HCCC Board of Trustees for 18 years.
Len enjoyed and made good use of his leisure time. He ran firematics when he was younger and loved trips with his family and friends to Daytona and Myrtle Beach. In his later years, he enjoyed his time with Sandy. Together, they spent time in Myrtle Beach and traveled the world with friends. Len and Sandy were avid golfers and would always search out a golf course to play. Len especially loved spending time with family and their house was the place to be for any celebration or holiday, especially his annual birthday and Father’s Day clam bake and cookout.
Len is survived by his loving wife Sandy, son Scott and his wife Geri Hendrix of Ilion, daughters Lynne Roberts and Rich of Ilion and Ashley Hendrix and her companion, Chris Keane of Hamburg, NY; his granddaughters, Victoria Springer and her husband Arron, Jacquline Hendrix, Reanna Brown and her husband, Matt and Jordan Roberts and her fiancé, Jordan Reed; great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Fiona, Melody, Rosalie, Christopher, Theodore “Bubba”, Liam and Haisley. Len also leaves a brother and sister in law, Brian and Leslie Hendrix of Merrick, Long Island, NY, a sister-in-law, Mary Jean Hendrix of Hamburg, NY, a brother-in-law and his wife, Chuck and Carol O’Kusko of Herkimer, a sister-in-law, Denise and her husband, Mark Dodge of Fayetteville, SC and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Len was predeceased by a brother, Wayne Hendrix.
Funeral services for Len will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at 11 am at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Wollaber will officiate. Interment will follow in the Armory Hill Cemetery where Deacon Jim Bower will offer committal prayers. Friends may call on Tuesday, September 9th from 3-6 pm at the funeral home. The Ilion Elks and Fire Department will be conducting services at 6 pm.
Len’s family wishes to thank the staff of Albany Rehab neighborhood at the Masonic Care Community for the wonderful care and friendship given to Len during his time there.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to please consider donations to the Ilion Ambulance in Len’s memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To leave condolences for Len's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com