Obituary of Curtis Gerald McHendry

Curtis Gerald McHendry, 82, resided in the Steamboat Island area Olympia 1975-2014, Alpine Way of Shelton from 2014-2017, and the WA Veterans Home in Retsil for 2 weeks. He also lived in Kentucky, Georgia, Hawaii, Seattle, Germany, Oregon, Winlock, Chehalis, Kansas, Ft Lewis, Okinawa, North Carolina. He was a child of the Great Depression in Oklahoma. He passed peacefully away of natural causes at Washington Veterans Home, Retsil, WA on June 30, 2017 He was born May 29th, 1935 in Enid, Oklahoma to Stella (Walton) and Estil McHendry. He served in the OK National Guard '53-54 and US Army 1954 - 1975, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant at discharge. He married Claudia Josephine McHendry on September 2, 1956 in Georgia. In the Army he was an Airborne Ranger in 1st Special Forces, a drill instructor & platoon sergeant, and jungle expert. Two tours in Vietnam '67-68, & '69-70. Awarded Purple Heart and many other awards for distinctive service. Taught ROTC at Univ of Wa '60-63, and Univ of Oregon 65-67. After retiring from Army he earned his AA degree from SPSCC in Landscape & Horticulture, then became an instructor there teaching Landscape Design & Greenhouse Use, and Building & Grounds Maintenance to Vietnamese and Cambodian Refugees. He was Thurston County Parks Supervisor 1978 to '94, developed many parks including Burfoot and Frye Cove County Park. From 1994 to 1999 he was head of Parking Enforcement at the Evergreen State College. Dad was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Eagles Club, and Moose Club. After retirement Dad & Mom enjoyed many years of travelling in their RV. The beach and Sol Duc Hot Springs were top favorites. Dad loved to go dancing, fishing, clamming, crabbing, boating, camping, hiking, mushrooming. He loved to go to rodeos, concerts, ballgames, and county fairs. He loved to cook, especially breakfast and great BBQs. He had a beautiful vegetable garden, raised rabbits and chickens, and knew how to can it all. He loved homemade pies, fried okra, peanuts, a nice fire in the wood stove, chainsaws, pickup trucks, country music, funny movies, his Shihtzu named Sweets, and having a cool beer. He loved to cut firewood and mow grass. His yard was always beautiful like a park. Most of all he loved his wife and family, and having family celebrations for every special occasion. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We will miss his love, laughter, and big strong bear hugs. He was preceded in death by wife Claudia Josephine McHendry in 2016, and daughter Cyndi Masteller in 2014. He is survived by his son, Clifford McHendry (wife Dawn), Palmer, AK; daughter, Charlene McHendry, Shelton, WA; daughter: Cheryl Cuskelly, Tumwater, WA; grandchildren: Alacyn (husband John) Coupe of Tahuya, WA; Mathew Mikota, Bellingham, WA; Claudia Jean McHendry, Shelton, WA; Cody McHendry, Sean McHendry and Daniel McHendry of Alaska; many brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews in Oklahoma and Washington. A memorial service will be held at the Pavilion at Sentry Park, 190 W Sentry Park Rd, Shelton on Sunday July 16th, from 11 am to 3 pm. Arrangements by McComb & Wagner.