Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Senator Hendrix Dies At 89

Death has claimed yet another of the area's leading citizens.

This time, the icy hand of fate has called former state Sen. Olen C. Hendrix to meet his maker.

Hendrix spent 25 years in the Arkansas state legislature. The Antoine native first sought office in the 1950's in an effort to improve conditions at the Arkansas State Hospital.

He spent from 1958 through 1983 in the state house, and was president pro-tempore in 1971-72.

However, death claimed this victim Wednesday, Aug. 5. Hendrix was 89 at the time and living at the Hillcrest Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee first met Hendrix while he (Huckabee) was in school in Hope. "He had a long and distinguished career," the governor said, "of representing the people of Southwest Arkansas.

"He and his family have the reputation of integrity and honor in everything they've done and have indeed done much for the people of my home area."

Hendrix served on the state Highway Commission during his time in the house, and was also on the State Hospital Board.

Possibly one of his greatest achievements was helping establish Red River Technical College at Hope (now the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope) and Old Washington State Park.

Hendrix's time in the house was spent working hard for the people. He was the chairman of the Legislative Council, chairing the council's committee on Charitable, Penal and Correctional Institutions from 1968-82.

During this time, many major improvements were made in the state's prison system.

He also served on the Senate Committee for Revenue and Taxation, and chaired the panel of the Insurance Commerce Committee.

The scope of his accomplishments went far beyond the work he did as a state senator. Hendrix was also a businessman, involved in retail sales, lumber and oil production.

In addition, he spent 40 years in the banking industry, and was instrumental in the Bank of Prescott's existence. Hendrix served as president of the bank for many years.

At the time of his death, Hendrix was still involved in banking as a member of the board of directors for the Bank of Delight.

In 1952, Hendrix was appointed to the Highway Commission by then-Gov. Sid McMath. Hendrix was responsible for many roads in Southwest Arkansas getting paved.

He was appointed to the State Hospital Board in 1955 by former Gov. Orval Faubus.

Hendrix was appalled by the conditions at the state hospital, which were overcrowded and primitive at the time. Because of this, he went to work and began changing the conditions.

Three years later, in 1958, he won a seat in the Arkansas Senate. His platform was to sponsor legislation for improvements.

Because of Hendrix's efforts, the State Hospital became a model in the nation. Hendrix Hall there was named in honor of the work he did to improve the conditions at the hospital.

Duncan McRae, a long time friend of Hendrix, called him a caring person who wanted to help people. "He was a very good man with a lot of friends," McRae said. "He was energetic, concerned and a real go-getter."

McRae also said Hendrix had little formal education, but used native intelligence and common sense to get things done.

"He was an excellent businessman," McRae continued. "An outstanding man of admirable character. He had lots of friends and deserved them."

Hendrix's nephew, Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor, said he was an extraordinarily talented man who had the ability to communicate and understand people.

"He was a master networker," Taylor said. "His networking expanded his circle of people from whom he got support and information."

Taylor was recently in Washington, D.C.,where he spoke with Arkansas Sen. Dale Bumpers, who mentioned Hendrix.

According to Taylor, when Bumpers was governor of the state, a vital highway bill was in the balance with many legislators saying it wouldn't pass. However, Hendrix made a bet with some of the representatives saying it would, and it did.

From then on, Taylor said, Bumpers knew where to go when he needed help getting a project through the house and senate.

"The citizens of Southwest Arkansas have lost a devoted representative," he said. "His advice to me was always truthful, whether the situation was good or bad, and you will receive the support and respect of the people."

Local attorney Jim McKenzie said Hendrix was always sincere in protecting the interest of the community and people who were less privileged than him.

"He was a man of loyalty to those around him, and always worked to improve himself, his family, his friends and the community.

"His death is a loss of not only tradition and firm foundation, but a person who inspired the present generation to improve themselves as well."

Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Ray Thornton considered Hendrix to be a friend as well. He said Hendrix believed the finest thing a person could do in live was to be in public service.

"He really looked on politics as a means of helping people," Thornton said.

"The bottom lint was that he cared about people, whether it was education, mental health or other problems. Olen was always there."

Hendrix's niece, Jo Ann Shope of Arkadelphia, said her uncle lived by honesty, integrity and hard work. "The state of Arkansas has really lost something," she said of his death.

He was ranked fourth in seniority in the state Senate in 1982, but decided not to seek another term of office. At the time, he was 73.

Hendrix was born July 12, 1909, in the Pike County community of Pine.

Local historian John W. Teeter said Hendrix has as much or more political influence as anyone from the Southwest Arkansas area ever did.

"He was friendly and outgoing," Teeter said, "and never met a stranger."

According to Teeter, Hendrix was a bit unusual as a bank president. His desk was not in an office as is the norm, but in the lobby to the left of the door.

Teeter said he wanted to be with the people, to see what was going on and let them know he was there for them.