Robert Hendrix

Robert Bramblet Hendrix, 77, of Cape Girardeau died at home Tuesday, April 6, 2010, following a lengthy illness.

Robert, known affectionately as Bob, was born Aug. 17, 1932, in Bowling Green, Mo., to Harvey Robert and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Bramblett Hendrix. He married the love of his life, Rosemary Holtmeyer, in Washington, Mo., Jan. 17, 1959.

Bob is survived by Rosemary, his wife of 51 years; four children, Lisa (Mike) Simmons of Cape Girardeau, Lynn (John) Kelly of St. Louis, Lisbeth (Mark) Hostetler of Columbia, Mo., and Robert (Leann) Hendrix of Cape Girardeau.

Bob and Rosemary were blessed with 18 grandchildren: Ryan, Laura and Caitlin Simmons; Benjamin, Brianna, Sean, Shannon and Mary Therese (deceased) Kelly; Michael, Katherine and Jacob Hostetler; Elaine, Robert, Matthew, Philip, Lydia, Annelise and Cecilia Hendrix.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.

After attending Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served honorably aboard the USS Eldorado during the Korean conflict.

Following his military service, Hendrix became involved in his lifelong career, working for the chamber of commerce. After serving in chamber management positions in Washington, Hannibal and Springfield, Mo., Hendrix was appointed president and CEO of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce in 1972. He held that position more than 20 years, retiring in 1993.

Bob served 21 years on the board of directors of Saint Francis Medical Center. He served as secretary/treasurer from 1982 to 1984, vice chairman from 1984 to 1991 and chairman from 1991 to 1997. Hendrix was a current board member of Saint Francis Health Development Services Inc. and a member of the Emeritus Board of Directors.

Bob was committed to making Cape Girardeau an excellent place to live and served on numerous civic organizations and boards including Cape Lions Club, Vocational-Technical School Board of Directors, Diocesan Development Fund, Cape Business College, Greater Cape Girardeau Development Corp., Cape County Industrial Development Board, Community Industrial Development Fund, First Missouri Development Finance Corp., Southeast Missouri State Marketing Advisory Council, Small Business Administration, Southeast Missouri District Fair Advisory Board, Selective Service Board and AmeriFirst Bank Advisory Board.

Bob was an active and longtime member of St. Mary Cathedral parish and was involved with Cursillo retreats, the marriage preparation program and many other activities.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Cathedral.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Cathedral Building Fund or to Saint Francis Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.