Force Lt.Col. William Hendren

William L. Hendren, 87, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in Ocean Springs, MS. Mr. Hendren was born to Oatie D. and Bessie Underwood Hendren in Curve, TN. He attended Ripley High School in Tennessee, the University of North Dakota, and University of Southern Mississippi, acquiring his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering and his Master's Degree in Education. He joined the US Air Force in 1948 as a private and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in 1957. His overseas assignments were in Korea, during the war, Okinawa, Turkey, as a radar adviser to the Turkish Air Force and Iran, where he was Chief Communications adviser to the Imperial Iranian Air Force. Mr. Hendren was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korea Service Medal, UN Service Medal, two outstanding Unit Awards, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Expert Pistol Marksman Ribbon. Upon his retirement from the military in 1975, he taught Mathematics and Physics at St. Martin High School for 15 years. He was also a member of Heritage United Methodist Church in D'Iberville, MS. William is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Annie Kate Schultz, Frances Coffman, and Elizabeth Cochran; and brothers, Rev. Julian Hendren and Marvin "Hink" Hendren. Survivors include his wife, Winona E. Hendren; his children, Jason L. (Ashley) Hendren and Heather L. Hendren; grandson, Ryan Hendren; granddaughters, Harper Hendren, Caroline McCormick, Caitlin McCormick, Emily Dodd, and Abigail Dodd. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Heritage United Methodist Church in D'Iberville. Reception will follow the service at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.