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Thomas J. Hendricks
1929 - 2017
Thomas J. Hendricks
1929 - 2017
Obituary
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Thomas Hendricks Obituary
He was born on January 31, 1929 to Ruth Noreen and Thomas A. Hendricks in Flint Michigan. Thomas married his high school sweet heart, Jerrie Lou Lucas. They married for 28 years and together they had five children: Thomas, Terrie, Todd, Tim, and Trent. Thomas was born to serve other people. He fulfilled God's purpose for his life with many years in public service and was a man of true generosity.
Born of a poor family, he learned the value of hard work and that nothing came free. From early childhood he and his younger sister, Marcy, were raised by their grandparents on a farm in Genesee County.
Following high school Thomas worked at Chevrolet and other manufacturing jobs, until be become the Chief of Police in Linden, Michigan.
Thomas sought a career move and was sworn in as a Patrolman with the East Lansing Police Department in 1959. While working in law enforcement and as a finish carpenter, he continued his education. He completed his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. After a thirty one year career with the City of East Lansing, he retired as Chief of Police in 1991.
After retirement he moved to Island Lake in Gladwin County. He turned a hunting cabin into a beautiful home. He enjoyed the people of Gladwin and made Island Lake his home.
Thomas is preceded in death by second wife, Diane (Holtkamp) Hendricks, two sons, Tim and Trent Hendricks, his parents Ruth York and Thomas A. Hendricks and his step-brother Russell York. He is survived by a sister Marcelene Nelson and step-brother Robert York; his children Thomas (Patty) Hendricks, Terrie (Thomas) Boggus, Todd (Bonnie) Hendricks, Justin (Ann Marli) and Tim (Ann Marie) Holtkamp. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Leah, David, Anthony, Jessica, Michael, Kaylynn, Kayla, Hanna, and Logan, Seven great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Dad's life will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017, 11a.m., Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation may do so to The Hundred Club of Greater Lansing, 3315 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing, MI 48910 or Heartland Hospice of West Branch, 564 Progress Street, West Branch, MI 48661. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.greastlansing.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave King
May 20, 2025
I just today found out that Tom had passed. He was my friend and mentor. He represented everything good about law enforcement. I always tried to emulate him.
Dave King
Police Chief, retired
5-20-25
C.A. Chien
August 24, 2017
One of the best professionals whom I ever worked with. Sympathies to his family.
Dennis Paradis
August 23, 2017
My condolences to the family. I had the privilege of serving under Tom on the East Lansing Police Department. He was a friend and mentor and had an easy-going leadership style. He was the cop and the man that I aspired to be.
Elaine Pierce
August 23, 2017
My condolences to Cheif Hendricks family. When I was hired as a patrol officer in 1983 Captain Hendricks was the first person I met. He expected your best and in turn, he gave his to the East Lansing. I have much respect for him and his service to ELPD and the citizens of the communities he served.
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Deb Matthews
August 22, 2017
The world is now a bit dimmer. Tom was one of the finest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. I was a 16 year old volunteer at the DEC, a drug crisis center in East Lansing that had a suicide hotline. In the course of taking calls, I met and got to know then Sgt. Hendricks. It was a challenging time for each of us for different reasons. Perhaps as unlikely as it was, we became friends. He rose to Lt. and then Chief. I graduated, went to college, and moved to Atlanta. Every visit back we visited, his fresh baked chocolate cookies and brownies were the best. In so many ways he was like a father to me at a critical time in my life. My heart soared with joy when he would tell the restaurant hostess that he was meeting his daughter. Now 45 years later, I'm sad but very grateful that he was a part of my life and I know that he contributed to who I am today. I can only hope to be half as fine a person as Tom was every single day.
Patti Nowak
August 22, 2017
Tom,
You were a great mentor and supporter of myself and the police. We will miss you and it is so telling that you would give monies to the Hundred Club.
God bless you
Patti Nowak
August 22, 2017
A true gentleman I always looked up to. As a child growing up next door, Mr. Hendricks, was always what I thought a true police officer should be. My sincere condolences to the family. Jim Cole (Howell, MI)
Joseph Sebenick
August 22, 2017
Thank you Tom for all those years of serving the citizens of East Lansing. Prayers to you and your family.
August 21, 2017
A really good Man And Co-worker. Always could depend on his input and assistance.
Bob Owen, EL Planning & Zoning Dept., !972-2007
Pat Hutting
August 21, 2017
One of the finest public servants I ever knew and a mentor as well. We worked together when both assigned to the police academy at LCC by our departments. A good man who will be missed .
Evert & Luann Cann
August 20, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a very generous, funny man. We became very good friends with Tom and Diane when they started boarding "Abbey" with me. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time...God Bless....
Robert Spalding
August 20, 2017
God has called home one of his servants, sent to serve all of us who knew and met him. Tom was a friend for over 50 years, my mentor at E.L.P.D. and someone all will greatly miss. Be well my friend, till we meet again.
Arleen and I send our deepest personal condolences to the entire Hendricks family. May God's blessing's be upon all of you in this your time of deep sorrow and remembrance of Tom.
GO GREEN - GO WHITE
Jim/Barb Mooney
August 20, 2017
We are so saddened to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a good person, friend and neighbor. Our love and lots of hugs go out to you and your families.
christine Merlino
August 19, 2017
Tom was a very nice man, along with his second wife, Diane. I used to cook meals for them on special occasions when their family visited. He sure loved my ethnic prepared dishes and especially my bean soup!Even after we moved , we would meet them both in Harrison to deliver. He loved their dog "abbey", which they were no longer able to care for and made sure that beautiful dog got a good home and a lovely place to live out her young life. He loved "all his children", and was a big Michigan State fan(of course!) Rest in peace.
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1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
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