Joe N. Hendrix, 81, of Washington, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at his home with his family by his side after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born, April 21, 1939 in Bells, Tennessee, to Leon D. and Elizabeth (Baker) Hendrix. He married Rose M. Kelly on November 26, 1957 in Peoria, IL. He later married Helen Noel on February 18, 1978 in Washington, IL. Surviving is his wife Helen, of Washington; their children, Joseph K. (Amanda) Hendrix of Normal, Deborah A. Diaz of Washington; grandchildren, Ben Hendrix, Sam Hendrix, Charlotte Hendrix, Angela Diaz, Amy (Mark) Williams, and Amber (Eric) Land; great-grandchildren, Stormy Land and Scarlotte Land; and nephew, Billy (Cindy) James. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy J. Cook; son, Barney E. Noel; and son-in-law, Patrick Diaz. Joe graduated from Peoria Manual High School in 1957, and later earned an associate degree from Illinois Central College. He served three years in the US Army, which included a stint in portions of Southeast Asia where he led a construction survey team. Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a grocery store manager for A&P in multiple locations in central and southern Illinois, as well as Iowa. In 1968 he began his career with Caterpillar, working his way up from an entry level machinist on the shop floor to a manufacturing superintendent by the time he retired in 2001 after 33 years with the company. He loved bowling, watching NASCAR, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and enjoyed taking immaculate care of his yard. He also loved traveling with his wife Helen to visit family, as well as various resorts and other warmer destinations during the winter months, and they enjoyed making many wonderful memories with their family and friends over the years. Whenever he was home during the winter months, he always had the fireplace going whether he was just relaxing with family and friends, hosting holiday celebrations, reading a favorite book, catching up on the news, or watching his ballgames and Westerns. Joe had a sharp mind, an incredible work ethic, a big heart, and a mischievous sense of humor. Most of all, he cared very deeply about his family, and was always ready to provide support, encouragement, advice, or whatever else was needed to help us all along. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends, but his memory and legacy will live on in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or Disabled American Veterans. There will be no services at this time due to COVID-19. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.