Melvin F. Hendrickson

Melvin (Mel) Frank Hendrickson, SMSGT USAF, Ret. (1925–2026)

Melvin "Mel" Frank Hendrickson of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, at the remarkable age of 100.

Mel was born on March 15, 1925, in Media, Illinois, the first of nine children born to Frank S. and Ruby I. Hendrickson. He grew up on a rural Illinois farm, where he and his siblings walked three miles each day to a one room country schoolhouse. Mel attended Media Community High School, where he played football, basketball, and wrestled. He left school after his junior year to support the World War II defense effort, working for Butler Steel Manufacturing Co. Shortly thereafter, Mel enlisted in the United States Maritime Service. After returning home, he managed a neighbor's farm until 1948 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning what would become a distinguished year career while also completing both his high school education and four years of college.

Following basic training and aircraft and engine specialist training, Mel was assigned to Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, Texas, where he spent eight years maintaining B bombers during the Cold War. In the final 12 years of his career, he served as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Avionics Section supporting classified MC E (Combat Talon) aircraft for Special Operations Forces. His service included a tour in Vietnam from September 17, 1967, to October 5, 1968, as NCOIC of the Avionics Maintenance Section of the 15th Special Operations Squadron at Nha Trang Air Force Base.

Mel's dedication earned him numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two Presidential Unit Citations, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and many others. He was a lifetime member of the Air Force Association, the Non Commissioned Officers Association, and a member of the American Legion.

In December 1963, while stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Mel met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Joseph, at a USO Christmas dance. They married on July 11, 1964, and shared 60 inseparable years together, apart only during Mel's Vietnam service.

After retiring from the Air Force in January 1977, Mel and Shirley moved to Saudi Arabia, where he worked for Lockheed Aircraft Corp. They later settled in Niceville, Florida, before relocating to Shreveport in 1996. In Shreveport, Mel transformed his passion for antique glass into a thriving third career, eventually owning King's Ransom Antiques. Even after selling King's Ransom in 2014 and retiring fully, Mel continued to delight everyone he met with stories from his travels and a lifetime rich with experiences.

Mel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents, Frank and Ruby Hendrickson; his brothers Daniel, Earl, Wayne, James, Lawrence, and Clyde; and his sister Betty Hosack.

He is survived by his sister Ethel and her husband Roger Williams of Burlington, Iowa; nephew Bob Roose and his wife Jamie of Euless, Texas; niece Annette White and her husband Steve of Shreveport, Louisiana; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who will carry his memory forward.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Rosalind Brown and her daughter Kiesha Robinson for their devoted care and true friendship.

A service celebrating Mel's life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Osborn Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, he will be laid to rest with full Military Honors at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 89367, Tampa, FL 33689, (813)