Michael "Mike" Bruce Hendren

A year after graduating from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Stockton, California, Mike joined the U.S. Marines to serve his country for twenty years on active duty (Pvt/E1 to MSgt/ E8). He started out as a Helicopter & Fixed Wing aircraft turbine engine mechanic, then did a tour in Vietnam as a “UH1E Gunship” crew member and mechanic in 1969, Enlisted Recruiting and Officer Selection Duty in the mid-70’s in Oklahoma, then returned back to aviation duty. Mike performed four years of duty with the Commander Naval Air Pacific as an advisor and inspector with Navy Aviation Maintenance Management Team 3, then finally to Marine Corps Air Station in El Toro, California as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Maintenance Chief until retirement.

While on Officer Selection Duty in Oklahoma, Mike was privileged to escort and assist the “Wake Island Defenders” and USMC “Col. Pappy Boyington” the “Baa Black Sheep”misfit squadron commander. This was the inspiration for the remainder of his military career. Mike was a “damn good Marine” and had an illustrious career. He was selected for many special duties and assignments that very few Marines get an opportunity to accomplish during their career.

Mike had natural charisma and was well liked by those who knew him. He was a man of considerable war stories and tall tales, many which would draw out inspiring conclusions and wonderment. There were many exploits and adventures too numerous to mention here, but whenever Mike chose to discuss them with friends and family, they were always amazed and enthralled. Some even suggested that he write an autobiography to share and have as a matter of record.

Mike retired from the U.S. Marine Corp in 1987 after twenty years of active duty. Upon his retirement, he owned and operated the Commodore Connection, a computer sales and service business in Vista, California. Mike moved from Fallbrook, California to Delphi, Indiana in 2000. A few years afterward, Mike met the love of his life, Teresa Ann DeYoung, the woman who would stand by his side through thick and thin. They married on July 4, 2010.

As a man of true integrity, Mike would never budge under any circumstances, and stood his ground on everything he believed in. A man with simple taste in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops, he focused on providing a decent life for those he loved and cared about. He was a self-taught computer nerd and enjoyed using computers and servicing them until his death.

Left behind to cherish his memory are: his loving wife, Teresa; a son, Chris; grandson, Dylann; and his “Kat-a-tude” clan of indoor cats, Yang and Ziggy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lora Hendren.

No services are being planned, per Mike’s wishes. Neptune Society is in charge of cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/michael-hendren-11231643.