Billy Lee Hendry

Billy Lee Hendry, of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on August 22, 1933, in Elk City, Kansas, to Lee and Edith Kelsey Hendry, he lived a life dedicated to hard work and family.

Billy was known as a Jack of All Trades, bringing his versatile skills to various roles throughout his career. He spent time working at ADM in Fredonia and LaFarge Cement Plant in Fredonia retiring in 1996.

 Billy proudly served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, an experience that instilled in him a sense of duty and patriotism.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, Billy had a great love for the land and animals. He enjoyed spending time farming, riding horses, and had a deep appreciation for cows, and birds. He had chickens, turkeys and guineas. He was particularly fond of cowboy western shows, and his favorites included The Lone Ranger, Tales of Wells Fargo, and stories featuring Audie Murphy, which reflected his admiration for the cowboy spirit.

On December 1, 1957, Billy was united in marriage to Mary Lucille Owens, in Fredonia and they were married 49 years, until she passed on October 24, 2007.

Billy leaves behind a loving family, including his children Dale Hendry of Fredonia, Kansas, Karen and Vernon Nicholson of Deep Water, Missouri, David and Wanda Hendry of Fredonia, Kansas, Dianna and Timmy Culbertson of Mound City, Kansas, and Gary and Susan Hendry of Fredonia, Kansas. He also treasured his many grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and pride to his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary Lucille Owens Hendry, and his parents, Lee and Edith Kelsey Hendry.

Billy’s life will be honored with a visitation on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Fredonia, Kansas. A funeral service will follow on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the Wickham Family Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following at Farmington Cemetery.

Memorial remembrances to the Shriners Children's Hospital, and they may be left or mailed to the funeral home, Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th St. Fredonia, Kansas 66736.