Donald Curtis Hendricks

Donald Curtis Hendricks, 69 of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at his home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Don was born on December 10, 1956, to Curtis and Ethel (Porter) Hendricks in St. Louis, MO. He and his family moved between St. Louis and Poplar Bluff several times during his early years. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1975 and went on to graduate from Evangel University, then College, while playing baseball. He married Terry Kenyon (nee Locker) in 1975 and had two children, Steven and Amy.

After teaching and coaching at several schools in Missouri, Don moved to Southern California in 1992 where he met his wife, Dawn, while working at South Bay Lexus. He went on to teach at Riviera Lutheran briefly and taught social science and coached many sports, mostly girls’ basketball at North High in Torrance for 22 years, earning his master’s in education at CSU Dominguez Hills. He then became an assistant principal at Magruder Middle School. He retired in 2021 and moved back to Poplar Bluff in 2023, with his wife and mother-in-law, Jeanette Walters.

Don enjoyed many activities and hobbies throughout his life from hunting, fishing and camping to baseball, golf and playing guitar. He was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He ran a half-marathon and liked to go swimming with his family and friends. Relaxing to him meant enjoying food and drink, BBQing and smoking meat, baking treats, wine tasting and microbrewery testing. Christmas was his favorite holiday and there was always a Christmas movie marathon on during the holidays.

Don was a TTA representative for many years, fighting for justice and rights of fellow employees. He always led with the same respect for others whether as a teacher, head coach or principal and was always there for family and friends. He was loyal, trustworthy, caring, devoted and loved by all including any animal that he encountered. His best doggie gal pal was his Husky, Sky and she worshipped him. His love for his family brought him back to Poplar Bluff to be nearer to them and enjoy special time with them. Don will be missed dearly by all, never forgotten and always remembered for his remarkable character.

Don is survived by his wife, Dawn (Walters); his two children: son, Steven and his wife Kalyn and their sons, Noah and Jonah; and daughter, Amy Mohr and her two sons, Christian and Lincoln; brothers, Doug and Reginald (Jennifer) and sister, Cynthia Myhre; as well as many nephews and nieces.

Don was preceded in death by his father and mother, Curtis and Ethel Hendricks and sister-in-law, Terri (Case) Hendricks.

A memorial service will be held on November 2 at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Poplar Bluff, MO. Burial will take place at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Donalds Hendricks. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.