Julian W. Hendren

Julian W. Hendren, 91, of Gravette, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2017, after a brief illness. He was born on May 22, 1925, in Gravette to the late Nick and Louella Fair Hendren. The oldest of six children, Julian graduated from Gravette High School in 1943 where his fun-loving personality got him elected president of his senior class. He enlisted in the Army toward the end of World War II at the age of 19 and spent most of his military career stationed in Korea as a member of the Army's Special Forces. Not too long after returning home from Korea, Julian met and married the love of his life, Norma Lee Long of Jay, Okla. They celebrated 68 years of marriage in July of 2016. There was a time that if you were a farmer in Western Benton County, you probably knew Julian. He managed the Farmer's Co-ops in Gravette, Gentry, Siloam Springs and Westville, traveling throughout the region to ensure the farmers and ranchers, his friends, were provided the highest quality of service and supplies. That customer-service-focused philosophy followed him to Insul-Bead Corporation which he helped found in 1967 and where he served as president for 21 years. He managed teams of employees at three different plastics locations in Gravette, Tulsa and Albuquerque until his retirement in 1988. But if you knew Julian at all, you know that he never really retired. He sold used cars and was hired to collect past due accounts, among other odd jobs that kept him busy. He continued to stay active at his home on Hilltop Farms, keeping his lawn meticulously manicured. Throughout his life, Julian played an active and varied role in the community he loved. He served as president of the Gravette Chamber of Commerce and of Gravette Club of Lions Clubs International; he helped cook burgers and chicken for Gravette Day, and he was the first male president of the Gravette Elementary School PTA. He most recently served as an election sheriff for the Gravette precinct of Benton County. He was also a member of Beacon Missionary Baptist Church and was a recipient of WWII Victory Medal. Julian was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, E.L. Hendren, and two sisters, Ruth Hendren and Mattie Nell Hendren Wills. He is survived by his wife, Norma; two sons, Mike Hendren of Gravette, and Scott (and June) Hendren of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Jeff (and Sundee) Hendren of Gravette, Wes (and Tracy) Hendren of Gravette, Matt Hendren of Gravette, Hayley Hendren of Bentonville, and Kyle Hendren of Little Rock; and five great-grandchildren, Paulee Hendren, Drew Hendren, Joslyn Hendren, Kylee Hendren, and Jayden Hendren, all of Gravette. He is also survived by two brothers, Kim (and Marylea) Hendren of Gravette and Jimm Larry (and Janet) Hendren of Bentonville, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 22nd at Beacon Missionary Baptist Church in Gravette. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, February 23rd at Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Internment will be at Bethel Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to Beacon Missionary Baptist Church, 805 First Ave. SE, Gravette, Ark. 72736.