Paul “Mit” Hendrickson, 98, passed away January 24, 2020. Funeral Services in Mit’s honor will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119. Entombment will follow services at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, MO. A Visitation will be held the evening of Monday, January 27, 2020 at the funeral home from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
Mit was born in Pleasant Hill, MO on Friday, May 13, 1921 to parents Roy D. and Hilda M. (Ehrhardt) Hendrickson. He had a wonderful childhood growing up on a farm - with loving parents. Mit had to walk to/from school – which was 5 miles away, but he always liked the fact that this kept him in good shape – as he was a talented baseball player from an early age.
When World War II broke out, Mit found a calling to join the U.S. Navy and was stationed in the Pacific Ocean as a crewman on a destroyer escort ship.
Following his time in the Navy, Mit started working at the American Can Company where he met the love of his life, Helen Foley. They kept their relationship a secret from their peers because, at the time, you shouldn’t have dated coworkers. On their first date, they were to meet at the Katz Drug Store in North Kansas City; Helen had car trouble and was over two hours late, but Mit was there when she finally arrived because he knew she would show up, and she also knew that he would be waiting. That’s probably when they first realized that they were meant for each other.
Mit loved baseball and played shortstop, of course; he played with his town team, in the minor leagues and for the companies he worked for. When Helen would go to one of his games, she tended to only pay attention when he was at bat, often missing an outstanding defensive play – where horns would be honking and fans cheering.
The two went on to get married in 1949 and had two daughters together. Mit was a proud and loving father who adored his wife - telling her and others - that she was the only woman for him. He was a gentle, affectionate husband who was a constant by Helen’s side - they were often seen in matching sweaters.
Mit had a long career with General Motors in Fairfax, Kansas where he spent 30 + years before retiring in 1980. After retiring, he and Helen enjoyed spending time with the family, traveling, golfing, playing croquet or bridge and were actively involved in politics.
Mit is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 44 years, Helen; and his brother, Bud Hendrickson. He leaves behind his daughters, Mita (John) Hoagland and Marla (Jeff) Bixler; grandchildren, Lindsay (Luke) Whitley, Craig (Janelle) Hoagland, Lucas Bixler, and Melaina Bixler; and great-grandchildren Logan, Lana, and Pippa to cherish his memory.
The family suggests contributions in Mit’s memory be made to the American Heart Association.
