Christopher James Hendley

Christopher James Hendley, 53 Died at home in Fort Worth, Texas on April 12, 2015. He was Born on July 8, 1961 in Albuquerque, NM to Jane and William Hendley. He grew up in New Mexico where he played baseball, football and became involved in music. He attended the New Mexico Hummingbird Music camp for many summers. During High School he became a counselor at the camp. He attended High school at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM. He played trumpet in the Jazz and Marching bands. He graduated from NMMI in 1979. From 1979 to 1980 he attended the University of New Mexico where he was a Music Education Major. After the death of a beloved grandmother he decided to enlist in the Army. He served in the army on the East - West German Border for three years. He drove an armored personnel carrier and monitored the border. He also enjoyed traveling around Europe during this time. He spent time in England, Spain, and France. He was honorably discharged in 1984. After the army he returned to the University of New Mexico and changed his major to Business. He continued to play trumpet with the UNM bands. He graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors in Business Administration. In 1984 he met his future wife Pamela while playing in the UNM marching band. They married on May 18, 1985 in Farmington, NM. They continued living in Albuquerque until 1987. In 1987 they moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked for Holland America Cruise Lines. During this time they were able to take a cruise to Alaska. On February 13th, 1989 they welcomed their first son David. In 1990 it was time to move closer to family. They moved to Texas. He worked at multiple consulting jobs. He eventually started working for Southwest Airlines. He earned many awards, and made many friends while there. He worked for them for 16 years. During this time they welcomed into their family their second son Adam on April 12th, 1991 and their third son Aaron on October 18th, 2001. After leaving Southwest he worked at several companies including Curves International, Santander, and most recently Multi-View. He worked hard and made friends wherever he went. He loved his family and spent many hours with his sons doing whatever they were involved in. He coached little league baseball, was a scout leader, helped with archery, attended many football and baseball games, attended many band concerts, and was supportive in many more ways. Some of his hobbies included woodworking, coin collecting, he loved attending Texas Rangers baseball games with his family, watching and cheering for the Cowboys, he was an avid reader, and NPR listener, he especially loved anything science fiction, he enjoyed many types of music, and loved watching and going to movies. Chris is survived by wife Pamela, son David and his wife Heidi, sons Adam and Aaron, his mother Alice Jane Hendley, Sister Jana Sorroche and husband Joe, brother Greg Hendley and wife Mary Helen, Father in Law Milton Trayer, Mother in Law Darlene Trayer, Virginia Hendley, In laws Paula and Wayne Vaughan, Patrice and Steve Olsen, and Phillip and Aubrey Trayer, as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and last but not least his dogs Ricky and Lucy. He was preceded in death by his father William Raymond Hendley. His memorial service will be held at Hillside Community Church on Friday, April 17th at 2:00 pm. In Lieu of Flowers, the family would appreciate donations to one of the two funds that have been set up on behalf of Pam and Aaron. If you would like to make a donation please visit Yourhillside.com/hendley to access their tax deductible "widows and orphans" fund and their "go fund me" account. Thank you for you compassion and generosity. Arrangements by Lucas Funeral Home in Keller 817-753-6800 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Christopher James Hendley please visit our Sympathy Store.