Dewitt Obits

Joel Elder Hendricks

 Joel Elder Hendricks 77 of Clinton, IL passed away peacefully October 29, 2019 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL.

 

Services will be 11 AM Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the St. John’s Catholic Church, Clinton, IL with Rev. Fr. James Henning officiating. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Saturday at the Church. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Clinton Fire Department.

 

Joel was born April 15, 1942 in Mattoon, Illinois to C.E. Hendricks and Mary (Elder) Hendricks.  Survivors include his wife, Dottie Hendricks, son Andrew Hendricks, and stepsons Mark Calvert (Lori Howell), Jeff Calvert (Jill), Sister Jeanine Craig, Brother, Jeff Hendricks (Judy) and grandchildren Zachary and Corissa Calvert and nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Jerri Sue Hendricks and Jackie Almer.

 

Joel graduated from Mattoon High School in 1960 and earned his bachelor’s from Eastern Illinois University.  Joel was an educator and salesman.  He worked for the Decatur Herald and Review for 34 years.  He served on the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, Tree Commission and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.

 

Joel is most well-known for his lifelong interest in Native American art and culture.  During his lifetime he became an expert artist, lecturer, teacher and holder of Native American wisdom.  He was a member of the White Buffalo Society and Tecumseh Lodge.  He was a published author.