Burnell Frank Von Hendricks Sr.

Our beloved Burnell F. Von Hendricks Sr. departed from us peacefully on December 22, 2023, at the admirable age of 93. Burnell Sr. leaves to celebrate and cherish his memory, three daughters Carmen Woodland, Clarissa Robertson, Bianca Von Hendricks, and son Burnell F. Von Hendricks II along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Burnell Sr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 5, 1930, and raised by God fearing Christian parents that loved the Lord. He was the sixth child in a family of thirteen children. He had a flair for music and actively participated in the high school marching band and sang in the high school glee club.

After high school he worked briefly in the shipping department at the Bendix Aviation Company prior to being drafted into the US Army in October 1951. Burnell Sr. served proudly in the Korean War and Vietnam War and spent some time in Germany where he met the love of his life and wife Henriette Katrina Sucher. Burnell Sr. and Henriette married in 1964 and began their lives together and started building a beautiful family.

During his time in the military, he received numerous high-ranking medals of honor including but not limited to the US Army Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. The dedication, bravery, and discipline he learned in the military never left him, as friends and family will attest. He retired as Sergeant Major from the US Army in 1985 at Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland. In 1987 he was employed with the US Army Personnel Systems Command in Alexandria, Virginia and retired as a GS 12 in 1996.

Burnell was an avid musician and he loved to speak about it with anyone who would listen. He belonged to the Free State Theater Organ Society and his astonishing musicianship with the piano and organ led him to play for local churches such as True Foundation Church and First Baptist Church of Glenarden.

He loved traveling, watching sports, making crafts, listening to the news, and playing "his rules" of dominoes. His smile and laughter were infectious, and everyone he encountered absolutely loved him. It will be difficult to forget his witty sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife Henriette, stepson Alois, oldest daughter Diana, and his siblings.  Burnell Sr. had an amazing life with so many remarkable accomplishments and blessings. He has impacted all our lives in some way and today it is an honor for us to celebrate his life, love and longevity.

If you prefer, donations may be made in his name to the Disabled American Veterans or a veterans charity of your choice.