William Lester Hendrix

William Lester Hendrix, 80, a distinguished journalist, communications specialist, and Navy Public Affairs Officer, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Stafford, Virginia, on March 9, 2026.

Born in Boise, Idaho, in 1945, Bill spent his early childhood on a dairy farm with his parents until their divorce. His early years were marked by frequent moves between Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado as he lived with single parents and relatives. He eventually returned to live with his father near the end of third grade. A third-grade teacher, LaDonna Rae Montague, ignited his lifelong love of reading and words, which guided his academic path. An avid baseball fan in his youth, he was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 1963. He went on to earn a BA in Public Relations, Broadcasting, and Advertising and an MA in Mass Communication from Brigham Young University, later using his GI Bill to gain certifications in project management and web design.

Bill dedicated more than forty years to reporting facts and explaining the world. His career included work as a local network television news reporter, public relations roles for U.S. Senators Orrin L. Hatch and Jake Garn of Utah, and communications positions with the Utah Hospital Association, Farm Credit Administration, and as a presidential appointee at the National Commission on Employment Policy. He completed his civil service at the Department of Housing and Urban Development before serving full-time as an active-duty Navy Public Affairs Officer. During his naval career, Captain Hendrix was deployed to Tuzla, Bosnia, earning a NATO medal. He received meritorious unit commendations with two Bronze Stars, a Humanitarian Service Medal, and recognition for marksmanship with pistol and rifle. He proudly held two “planks,” including one for the historic re-launch of the USS Constitution, and identified as a “blue-nose” after crossing the Arctic Circle during NATO’s “Northern Wedding” exercises.

At BYU, Bill met and married his first wife, Cynthia Lange, in the Salt Lake City Temple in August 1966. They had five children and opened their home to many foreign exchange students and foster children. After their divorce, he married the love of his life, Karla Walsh, in December 1989. For three decades, he devoted himself to caring for her through her long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Known for his kindness, pragmatism, deep love of the gospel, and appreciation for music, baseball, golf, and family history, Bill served faithfully in many church callings, including Elders Quorum President, Seminary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Ward Missionary, Family History Missionary, and Temple Worker. His most cherished roles were those of husband and father.

He is survived by his five children—Marsha, Daniel (Jeanne), Lindsay (Tracey), Laurel, and Heidi (Kevin)—twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Karla and his grandson Kevin Fleming, Jr.