Charles Wade "Chuck" Hendrix, 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away at his home in Champaign on Sunday, June 8, 2014.

He was born in Danville on Aug. 13, 1919, to Charles and Maude Hendrix.

Chuck was a young Army officer at the beginning of World War II when he met a beautiful Army nurse, Adeline Dorothy Jablonski, in Brownwood, Texas. Soon after, they both shipped overseas to the European Theater, where Chuck served with the 25th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Armored Division, and Adeline with the 32nd General Hospital. They courted and became engaged in England and were married on June 30, 1945, in Aachen, Germany. His wife survives.

Also surviving are his daughters, Patricia H. Chicoine (Jim Sczudlo) of Houston and Adele M. Hendrix (Jerry Rietveld) of Northfield; three grandchildren, Jason S. Chicoine (Julie) of Chaska, Minn., and Katrina Rietveld and Irena Rietveld, both of Northfield; one step-grandson, James P. Sczudlo of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and two great grandchildren, Lexi Chicoine and Bailey Chicoine of Chaska. Chuck also is survived by his brother, Dr. J.W. Hendrix (Mary) of Kalamazoo, Mich.; his daughter-in-law, Thavil Hendrix of West Richland, Wash.; a niece; and five nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Virginia J. Hendrix; and his son, Charles E. Hendrix.

He lived in Danville until shortly before high school, when his family moved to Champaign. Chuck received his bachelor's degree and doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Illinois. He practiced law in Champaign County for more than 30 years before his retirement. Early in his professional career, Chuck also worked briefly as an adjustor for The Hartford Insurance Co. in Rockford.

As a result of his gallant service during World War II, Chuck was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He also was proud to note that his unit was awarded the Presidential Citation. At one point during World War II, the Stars and Stripes (military newspaper) published that "Charles W. Hendrix of Champaign, Ill." ... was "the youngest captain in the United States Army." Chuck left active duty following World War II, but continued in the Army Reserves, from which he retired as a full colonel in 1971.

Chuck was a devoted family man. Family vacations planned by him are a source of fond memories for his family. Perhaps most notably, he instilled a love of all things Disney in his daughters and grandchildren, as he and his wife hosted the family at Disney parks on several occasions.

Chuck was a very active retiree who enjoyed fishing, swimming and tennis until he was nearly 90. In fact, he participated in Senior Olympics swimming and tennis competitions at the regional level and went on to compete with tennis doubles partners at two National Senior Olympics. He enjoyed traveling with Adeline to visit their children and grandchildren, as well as taking their regular trips to Florida for several weeks each year to escape Illinois winters. Like many veterans, Chuck and his wife looked forward to attending reunions of their Army divisions.

Chuck blossomed as a creative writer during his retirement. He not only wrote (usually) humorous short stories on various subjects, but he chronicled the young lives of his grandchildren by writing special stories about them, which were presented as Christmas gifts from time to time. Literary license was often taken in describing the heroic escapades of the children.

As a young boy, Chuck and his sister determined that they should attend church, even though his parents - God-fearing people - were not churchgoers. After researching a few denominations, the siblings were baptized and became members of a Presbyterian church in Danville.

Upon moving to Champaign, they joined First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, where Chuck, among other activities, dutifully served as an usher for more than 50 years. Until very recent health issues limited his mobility, Chuck was able to attend services regularly at his church, most recently attending Easter Sunday services with his daughter and son-in-law.

Over the years, Chuck was a member of many civic and professional organizations, including: Civil Defense coordinator in the 1950s; serving on the charter board of directors for the Champaign YMCA; Indian Guides (with his son); Numismatic Club; University of Illinois Dads Association; Kiwanis; Reserve Officers Association; National Association of Arbitrators; and the Champaign County, Illinois and American Bar Associations.

The Hendrix family wishes to thank the many caregivers and RNs of Diversified Health Care, along with Debra Hoeft, whose gentle and patient care of Chuck and his wife made it possible for the two of them to achieve their goal of living together at home over the past several years.

A memorial service celebrating Chuck's wonderful life will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, 302 W. Church St. Prior to the service, friends are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Chuck beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Westminister Hall at the church. The memorial service will follow in the church sanctuary. A reception in Westminister Hall will follow the service.

A private graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, at a later date.

Tributes in Chuck's memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, Empty Tomb, First Presbyterian Church of Champaign or another charitable organization of the donor's choosing.

Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, is in charge of arrangements.