David S. Hendryx

David Scott Hendryx, 41, a veteran of three tours in Iraq and longtime resident of Huntington County, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, of complications from PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). David was born on February 3, 1984, in Columbia City, IN, the son of William "Bill" Hendryx and Tamara (Steward) Hendryx. He attended Huntington North High School and earned a GED before enlisting in the U.S. Army. As a staff sergeant for the Army, David was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment where he saw action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The U.S. Army recognized David for his honorable service with a long list of awards including, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, and National Defense Service Medal. David was a proud soldier and understood the commitment he made to his country. During his service, he built unbreakable relationships with the men and women he served beside. After seven years of active duty and three tours of combat, David was one of the lucky ones to came home but he wasn’t the same man that set out to follow his grandfather’s footsteps. Like so many veterans, David experienced the long effects of the traumatic events that occur during war. He struggled for years with wounds that couldn’t be seen. His battle with PTSD was bigger than any war he fought in. David’s family will remember their very own American Hero, as the guy who wanted to be the life of the party. The one that would do anything to make others laugh. His ability to embrace the outdoors and his talent for whittling wood or painting something beautiful are just some of the memories he leaves behind. David had many hobbies but one of his favorites was playing games with his nephews. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and helping rebuild motorcycles for veterans with the AMVETS organization. David was a caring person who deeply loved those he surrounded himself with. David is survived by his wife of 5 years, Krystal L. Hendryx of Montpelier, IN; children, Aaron Hendryx of Huntington, IN, Triniti Hendryx of Huntington, IN, Nik Hendryx of VA, Kiara Hendryx of VA, Jeremy O'Rielly of Huntington, IN; grandson, Elliot Vest; mother, Tamara Hendryx of Huntington, IN; siblings, Sandy (Chad) Shaw of Huntington, IN, Stefni (Dave) Scharland of Huntington, IN, Adam (Julie) Hendryx of Huntington, IN, Shaun (Katie) Hendryx of St. Petersburg, FL; brother in-law, Billy (April) Duke of Decatur, IN; grandmother, Marsha Overstreet of Huntington, IN; nephews, Xavier (Marysa) Shaw, Zachary (Tori) Shaw, Derrik Scharland, Blaze Shaw, Gage Shaw, Hayden Hendryx, Darrien Duke, William Duke, Aiden Duke; nieces, Aubry Powell, Mara Hendryx. His canine companions, Gunnar, Tigger and Peanut. Also, David leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and several brothers and sisters of the USA military. He is preceded in death by his father, William "Bill" H. Hendryx, grandparents, Diane Baltrush, Mauri Steward, Billie Hendryx, Dottie Robinson, Lenord Robinson and three men died fighting beside him and who he called brothers, U.S. Army Captain John F. Kurth, U.S. Army Specialist Jason C. Ford, and U.S. Army Specialist Eric G. Palacios Rivera. If you are a Veteran, or are concerned about one, call 988, then press "1" to speak with a responder qualified to support Veterans. You can also text 838255 or chat online with the Veterans Crisis Line Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Graveside Service will be 10:00 am Friday, March 14, 2025, in Marion National Cemetery 1700 E. 38th St, Marion, IN. Preferred memorials to Bailey-Love Mortuary to assist with David’s final arrangements, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of David Scott Hendryx.