Former Cape Chamber of Commerce director dies

Bob Hendrix, 77, who led the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years, died Tuesday. Arrangements are pending at Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

Hendrix served as president and CEO of the chamber from June 1972 through October 1993.

He was raised in Washington, Mo., and came to Cape Girardeau from Springfield, Mo., where he served as that chamber's director of legislative affairs. He also previously worked as chamber director in his hometown. Hendrix succeeded Allen Robinson in the role of Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce director.

Submitted photo

His tenure with the chamber was four times longer than the average stay of a director.

"He was in the business for a long time so just about anything of significance that happened in the area he had a hand in one way, shape or form," said John Mehner, who replaced Hendrix as chamber president and CEO in 1993.

Mehner said Hendrix was a good advocate, very knowledgeable, straightforward and generous.

"He was my early teacher for everything I knew about the chamber world from finances and board relationships to what organizations to plug into and how to get active," Mehner said. "He helped me with so much of what I needed to know to be successful in this profession."

Hendrix helped organize the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority, SEMO ACT Council, Cape Commodores, and the Industrial Development Authority of Cape Girardeau County.

He helped recruit a number of new business developments including Lowes, BioKyowa, Dana Corporation and Thorngate. He was also involved in the effort to build the Show Me Center.

He was also instrumental in downtown redevelopment and tourism efforts.

Hendrix was active on the state level, holding several offices with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and also working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

After retiring he and his wife, Rosemary, stayed in Cape Girardeau.

Hendrix was a current board member of Saint Francis Health Development Services, Inc., and a member of the Emeritus Board of Directors. He served on the Saint Francis Healthcare System Board of Directors as secretary/treasurer from 1982 to 1984; vice chairman from 1984 to 1991; and chairman from 1991 to 1997. Bob was called upon to lead the Board of Saint Francis in critical decisions that influenced the direction of the Medical Center for many years. Renovations projects such as the addition of the 20-bed critical care unit, rehabilitation wing, Family BirthPlace, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Heart Institute and the Health and Wellness Center were all initiated under Bob's tenure on the Board.

"Bob demonstrated tremendous dedication to the Cape Girardeau community and lived the mission of Saint Francis through his unwavering service and commitment to the Medical Center," said Steven C. Bjelich, president and chief executive officer at Saint Francis Medical Center. "He garnered much respect and admiration throughout the Saint Francis Family."