Vernon "Leroy" Hendrich

Vernon “Leroy” Hendrich, 77, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, September 09, 2025, in Russell, Kansas.

Leroy was born on October 20, 1947, in Ellsworth, Kansas, the son of Reuben E. and Ina G. (Cooper) Hendrich. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1965. He then attended for 2 years at Pittsburg State University. Leroy was united in marriage to Linda A. Boswell on November 19, 1966, in Pittsburg, Kansas. From this union Leroy and Linda were blessed with two sons, Joey and Bradley. They made their home in Russell. His profession included working for Scheufler Supply, aka Big A Auto Parts. He then started working for Leroy’s Conoco, purchased it in 1979 and began working with his son Joey. The name of the business later changed to Auto Excellence Auto Repair, LLC. In 2005, Leroy and Joey added AE Tools & Computers. Leroy retired in 2014. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bee keeping, gardening, building fireworks and spending time with his family at the farm.

Surviving family are two sons, Joey Hendrich (Laurie) of Olathe, Kansas and Bradley Hendrich of Hinton, Iowa; 6 grandchildren, Bryan (Brandi), Brody, Brock, Megan, Zachary and Claire and 2 great grandchildren, Zaidyn and Quintyn; brother Leslie Hendrich; sisters Anel Minneman and Faith Rud.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Linda on September 09, 2015.

Leroy selected a cremation service. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. (family present from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M.) on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the mortuary. A graveside service to celebrate Leroy’s life and burial of the cremains next to Linda will take place at 11 A.M. on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Russell City Cemetery. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.