Obituary of Ford Hendershot Jr.
Alford Ford Hendershot Jr., age 74 of Idabel, OK passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Idabel. He was born on March 12, 1945 in Bastrop. LA, the son of Alford Ford Hendershot Sr. and Marguerite Moss Hendershot. Ford married Robin Elizabeth Pendleton in Bastrop, LA on April 19, 1968.
Ford was retired form Weyerhaeuser where he worked as an Environmental Supervisor at the Paper Mill. He was an avid birder and photographer. Ford first became acquainted with Red Slough Wildlife Management Area many years ago and when that swamp oozed between his Louisiana toes he was in love. He has spent decades as a dedicated volunteer and outspoken advocate for Red Slough. As a volunteer, Ford led tours for organizations and individuals and participated in the annual McCurtain County Birding Convention. As a member of eBirds.org he helped document bird populations and migration across McCurtain County. He also kept tabs on monarch butterfly migration for Journey North. He was formerly a member of Blue Thumb (planting for clean water) and Texas Master Naturalists, both organizations that help promote stewardship of our natural resources.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, William Hendershot.
Ford is survived by his wife Robin Hendershot of the home; his son, Brian Hendershot of Idabel, OK; a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Denise Hendershot of Waynesville, NC; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kay and Tommy Barfield of Rock Hill, SC and Mary and Bryce Tawney of Lake Cherokee, TX; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Idabel First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Polson officiating. A reception and time of reflection will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of floral tributes please consider donating to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research @ pancreatic.org; ARK of McCurtain County @www.arkofmccurtaincounty.org; or a charity of your choice.
