Gary's Obituary
Gary W. Hendryx, 73, of Brookston, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at his home with his family by his side.
Gary was born November 2, 1949, in Lafayette, Indiana to the late Jesse Darnell “JD” Hendryx and Mable (Mathew) Hendryx. Gary was a 1967 graduate of Frontier High School.
Gary served in the Army National Guard from 1969 until his honorable discharge in February of 1975.
His marriage of 49 years was to Pam Hinsey on July 7, 1973, at the Brookston Federated Church; she survives.
Gary was a long-time member of the Brookston Federated Church, and former member of the White County Sheriff’s Department Merit Board, the White County Alcohol and Beverage Board and a County Councilman at Large.
Gary and his wife Pam were owner/operators of the Top Notch Bar in Brookston for 30 years; their customers were always welcomed with Gary’s larger than life smile and a gentleness that made them feel welcome and comfortable. Gary was proud of the many traditions created and carried on throughout the years. He loved serving others and believed in “paying it forward” by doing acts of kindness for those in need. He and Pam considered their guests family and they treated them that way. Even in the busiest times, Wednesday lunches and rambunctious Purdue games with his lifelong buddies always ranked high on Gary’s priority list.
Prior to the Top Notch, Gary worked for Ash Grove Co-Op and Orville Redenbacher Popcorn as a field representative.
An avid Purdue Fan, Gary and Pam had season tickets to Purdue Men’s Basketball for many years. Gary was also a proud member of the Fast Breakers, a group supporting all things Purdue Basketball and Matt Painter.
Most of all, Gary was a loving and devoted husband and father; his two daughters were his pride and joy. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them succeed in all their activities. He was a proud Poppies.
Surviving with his wife Pam are his two daughters, Sara Bridwell (husband: Ed) of Brookston and Betsy Kirk (husband: Josh) of Delphi; his mother, Mable Hendryx of Brookston; his siblings, Suzann Brouwer (husband: Hank) of Buck Creek, Jeff Hendryx (wife: Nancy) of Morton, Illinois, Mark Hendryx (wife: Kathy) of Lafayette and Linda Hurst (husband: Jerry) of Brookston. Gary cherished his grandchildren, Clayton and Kendall Bridwell and Callahan Kirk. He was also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved very much.
Preceding him in death with his father JD are his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Julie Hinsey, a sister-in-law, Kelli Hendryx, and a niece, Stacy Brown.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2023, at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Funeral Service 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023, also at the funeral home; Rev. David Doles and Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate. Interment to follow in the Brookston IOOF Cemetery.
Please come in casual dress, even your favorite Purdue gear, and celebrate Gary. If you aren’t able to make it, please do not feel bad – just crack a cold one in remembrance of him. Memorials may be made in Gary’s name to the Brookston Fire Department – Building Fund or the Brookston/Chalmers First Response. Gary was always looking for ways to help out a friend or a stranger – please do something kind for another and remember his sweet smile.
