William Hendrix Obituary

William Lester Hendrix

William Lester Hendrix, 80, Communications Specialist and Navy Public Affairs Officer, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Stafford, VA, on March 9, 2026.

William Lester Hendrix was a distinguished journalist and communications specialist whose career spanned several decades and included roles in local network television news, public relations for two US Senators, a NATO mission, and corporate communications for two trade associations. He also served in both Reserve and Active-Duty Naval Public Affairs. During his service in the US Navy, Captain Hendrix received numerous medals and commendations. Among them: a NATO medal, meritorious unit commendations with two Bronze Stars, a Humanitarian Service medal, pistol and rifle Sharpshooter, two planks, including one for the historical re-launch of the USS Constitution.

Hendrix dedicated more than forty years to reporting facts and explaining the world. He began as a local network news reporter before serving as a public relations staffer for US Senator Orrin L. Hatch (UT) and later Jake Garn (UT). Hendrix worked as a Navy Reservist Public Affairs officer while serving as Public Communications Director at the Utah Hospital Association, at the Farm Credit Administration, and then as a presidential appointee at the National Commission on Employment Policy (NCEP). He completed his civil service at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and moved on to a full-time active-duty Public Affairs Officer with the US Navy.

Born in Boise, ID, in 1945, Hendrix spent his early childhood living on a dairy farm with his parents until their divorce. Hendrix was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in October 1963. He moved to Provo, Utah, to attend Brigham Young University, where he earned a BA in Public Relations, Broadcasting, and Advertising. He later obtained an MA in Mass Communication, Propaganda, and Public Persuasion. Utilizing his GI Bill, Hendrix achieved professional certifications in project management, web design, and development.

Hendrix married Cynthia Lange in the Logan Temple in August 1966. Together, they had five children and welcomed numerous foreign exchange students and fostered children in their home. Following their divorce, Hendrix married the love of his life, Karla Walsh, in December 1989. He devoted three decades to caring for her during her extended battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Hendrix served in many church callings and activities. Among them: Elders Quorum President, Seminary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Ward Missionary, Family History Missionary, and Temple Worker. His most cherished roles were as husband and father. Hendrix is survived by his five children, Marsha, Daniel (Jeanne), Lindsay (Tracey), Laurel, and Heidi (Kevin); 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Karla, and his grandson, Kevin Fleming, Jr.

An open funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1399 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554, and will be broadcast via Zoom link. A private graveside service at Quantico National Cemetery will take place at 1:30 p.m, with invitations extended to pallbearers and close friends by family members only.

An online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.