Robert "Bobby" Hendricks

Robert “Bobby” Raymond Hendricks was born in Columbus, Ohio on February 22, 1938 and at the age of 84, peacefully passed away in Lancaster, California on March 25, 2022 in his home surrounded by his loving family, after a nearly decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bobby lived a meaningful and exciting life, full of family, friends, and of course–music. At age 16, he joined his first musical group, The Crowns, based in Columbus. He would then go on to sing for The Swallows and The Flyers before joining The Drifters in late 1957. He had a beautiful tenor voice and in 1959, he received a gold record for his hit solo record, “Itchy Twitchy Feeling.” In 2001, Bobby was inducted into the Doo Wopp Hall of Fame of America. Singing was Bobby’s passion, and this is where he left his mark in life–touring around the world and performing up until 2018. Bobby loved the Lord and always thanked Him every day for his God-given talents that enabled him to live a wonderful life.

Despite his illness, Bobby continued to enjoy life with his close friends and family. Most days you could find him driving his treasured Hyundai Sonata or taking his beloved Lilli for a walk. Through it all, the love of his life and wife of nearly 50 years–Ruth–stood by his side. Ruth is the glue of the family and in Bobby’s final years, she worked diligently to provide him the care and comforts he needed.

Bobby was preceded in death by his mother Katherine Hendricks, father Samuel Hendricks, his brothers Pete and Billy Hendricks, and his sisters Betty Mosley, Lillian Carter, and Katherine Harris.

Bobby is survived by his wife Ruth Hendricks, sisters Charlene Hairston, Delores Hooks, and Charlsa (David, Sr.) Melvin, daughter-in-law Barbara Hendricks, Robert Hendricks Jr. and Robert Hendricks III. He is also survived by his stepchildren Kent, India, Kena and Mark Sr., all of whom he helped to raise. Bobby leaves behind his nine grandchildren, Jasmyn, Aja, Clyde Jr., Brandon, Adam, Courtney, Mark Jr., Heiress and Hakeem. Seventeen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Finally, Bobby will be missed by the many friends and fans he made and met over the years.

Bobby was cremated and his ashes will be place in a Living Urn and planted with a beautiful tree. He loved being outdoors and we feel like his spirit will live on with God and Nature. Bobby's family in Columbus Ohio will set up a time that is convenient for them to celebrate his life.