Johnie (John) Duane Hendrick, 86, passed away on December 18, 2024 after a short illness at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, with Betty at his side.

John will be long remembered for his caring and compassion, his quick wit, and for mentoring so many throughout his life.  He was devoted to his family and friends and dedicated to improving his farm and community.

Born April 17, 1938 in Ingram Branch, WV, to the late John Quincy Hendrick and Lena Clair Davis Hendrick, John was also preceded in death by his younger sister Patsy Hendrick.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Hendrick; son, John Gilbert Hendrick and wife Cindy; son, Michael Scott Hendrick and wife Anne, and grandchildren Katie and Calvin; sister-in-law Gladys Simasek and husband Bob; nephew, Robby Simasek; niece, Debby Lecktrecker; niece, Teresa Benson.  Also by his "honorary" daughters Danielle Richmond, Kim Parratto, Misa Okuma, and of course Debby and Teresa; And especially his "War Ridge" daughter and dear friend Janet Richmond.

John's father stressed the importance of education and John carried this throughout his life.  He graduated 8th grade from Crossroads School after attending the one room Davis School in Ballengee, WV.  He graduated high school from Wilkinsburg High School in Wilkinsburg PA in 1956. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1960 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 1966 with a Masters in Industrial Management.  Long after his formal education John continued to attend various cattle and agricultural conferences, most often through West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, and the West Virginia Extension Agency.

John began his career working on the nuclear submarine program at Westinghouse Corporation.  He also worked for Moog, Inc in East Aurora, NY where he moved from engineering into sales.  Later he worked at American Tool in Cincinnati, OH as Vice President.  He was then recruited by Mitsui Machine Tools as President at their Long Island, NY office and lastly became President and Chairman of Okuma America Corporation in Charlotte, NC.  John was honored to have served on many boards of directors but especially on the board of Moog, Inc.  Throughout his professional career John was widely regarded for his leadership abilities and marketing prowess.

John retired to his beloved farm in Ballengee, WV, expanding and improving the farm for many years while raising registered Black Angus cattle for breeding as well as a commercial herd.   His cattle are well known for their quality and his respected customers purchased from him to improve their own herds.  John was very grateful for the many people who contributed to the success of the farm including Lee, Ron, George, and Ashton.

Upon returning to West Virginia John felt it was of utmost importance to share his many blessings with his friends and community.  John strongly supported building a fellowship hall and bathrooms at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church and revitalizing the Ballengee Farm Club & Community building.  He served as President of the Oak Grove Cemetery and Ballengee Farm Club.  He was especially proud of tearing down the old Davis store to create the Ballengee Community Park at the entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery.  He was a long time board member of the Hinton Area Foundation and established a scholarship fund for students studying agriculture related careers.  John was a long-time supporter of The Children's Home Society of West Virginia.  He was a member of many associations including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, West Virginia Farm Bureau, and West Virginia Cattlemen's Association.  John never turned down a request from Summers County 4H, Summers County Schools, or Community organizations.

Throughout his life John especially loved attending 4H camp, hunting with his father, raising beagles, tennis, golf, bridge, fine dining, and traveling.  Most of all he loved his family, friends, and farming community.  He had a kind and loving heart and his presence will be sorely missed by so many.

John attended services at Lewisburg United Methodist Church in Lewisburg, WV, and was a lifelong member of the Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Ballengee, WV.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Children's Home Society of WV, 9579 Seneca Trail South, Lewisburg, WV 24901; or to the Ballengee Farm Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 214, Talcott, WV 24981.

Visitation will be Friday, December 27 at the Pivont Funeral Home in Hinton, WV, from 5pm to 7pm.  There will be additional visitation at Pivont Funeral Home on Saturday, December 28 from 1pm to 2pm.  The funeral will be at Pivont Funeral Home at 2pm with Pastor Ed Dolphin officiating  followed by his burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Ballengee.  Immediately following the burial a meal will be provided at the Oak Grove Church near the entrance to the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be,  John G. Hendrick, Michael Hendrick, John Maddy,  George Payne, David Garten, Randy Vinson, Janet Richmond and Ashton McNicholas.

Honorary pallbearers will be,  Robby Simasek, Lee VanStavern and Ron Bumgardner.