David Gilbert Hendricks

David Gilbert Hendricks, 80, of OKC passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. A private family service will be held at a later date when David is laid to rest at Ft. Sill National Cemetery. David was born in Tifton, GA to Fred and LaVerne (Gilbert) Hendricks. He attended school in Mississippi, Florida and Arkansas due to his father’s military and VA careers. He graduated from high school in Fayetteville, AR. He then attended the University of Arkansas where he received a degree in Psychology/Sociology. During his schooling he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, joined the Arkansas National Guard and later ROTC. During his undergraduate years he trained and got his private pilot's license. After graduation from the university he became active duty in the Army. David served as an instructor pilot and completed two tours in Vietnam. During his 30+ years of military service David was stationed at Ft. Rucker, Ft. Sill, Iran, and he finished out his career with the 95th MTC in OKC.

Following his discharge from the Army, David returned to the University of Arkansas and earned his law degree. During that time he was a member of the Law Review. In 1982, he accepted a position as a Tax Attorney with the IRS. A year later he married the love of his life, Rita Crittenden Barber. David and Rita each had two children from previous marriages, They loved and treated each other’s kids as their own. David retired from civil service in 1999 and set out to travel the world with his wife and best friend, Rita. They enjoyed over 150 cruises throughout the world, plus many sailing trips ito the British Virgin Islands. They both enjoyed traveling to each of the 7 continents, and they took many river cruises through Europe .

Another one of David’s passions was being on the water. He enjoyed sailing his sailboats on Lake Texoma and Lake Thunderbird. He chartered larger vessels on several of their vacations. Scuba diving, and being a power boater were other hobbies he enjoyed. He was a talented master griller who enjoyed hosting his family for dinner. David was a longtime member of the Engineer’s Flight Club at Wiley Post Airport, the Thunderbird Sailing Club, and the Cedar Mills Yacht Club.

David Hendricks was a quiet and reserved guy with a dry sense of humor. He went out of his way to bring joy to others and was a great listener. Although he achieved many accomplishments in his career, his family was always his top priority. He was a wonderful father, an amazing Papa, and a trusted friend who will truly be missed by all who knew him.

David was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Paul Hendricks, and two son-in-law’s, Tom Taber and Monty Rumsey. He is survived by his soulmate of 37 years, Rita Hendricks; four children: Elizabeth “Lee” Hendricks and husband Travis Unruh, Matthew David Hendricks, Angela Annette Taber, and Amy Allison Rumsey. Two grandchildren: Austin and Allie Rumsey. A sister Patricia Storey and husband William, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at advantagesouth.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Doctors Without Borders in David's honor.