Dennis "Danny" George Hendley

Dennis George Hendley, a native son of Amarillo, died on October 1, 2023. Dennis was born in Amarillo on April 5, 1950, to Joseph and Mary Hendley.

He graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1968. After graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps and served with distinction and honor from 1969 until 1973, obtaining the rank of Sergeant and serving in Vietnam. During his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart and earned the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Dennis joined the Amarillo Police Department in 1976.  He was promoted to Sergeant in 1978.  While with the department he was an ITO (investigative teaching officer), a hostage negotiator, sergeant of major crimes (homicide) and sergeant of the SWAT Team.  He received five commendations and was named officer of the month by the Downtown Kiwanis Club.

In 1985 Dennis joined the Randall County Sheriff’s Department assigned to patrol.  He was soon promoted to Patrol Sergeant.  In 1986 he became the Narcotics Task Force Sergeant.  He moved to the Criminal Investigative Division in 2001 as Sergeant Investigator investigating Crimes Against Persons. He was the chief investigator on several homicide investigations and received 21 commendations. He was named “Officer of the Year” by the Amarillo South Rotary Club in 2003.

One of Dennis‘s greatest joys was his motorcycle. He was happiest on his Harley and took motorcycle treks to New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and the East coast.  He loved the freedom of the open road.

In 2016 Dennis obtained a heart and kidney transplant at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston Texas. He courageously battled health challenges for the remainder of his life.

Dennis is survived by his sister, Kristi Stewart, and her husband Steve Stewart of Houston Texas, his sister, Julie Henson and her husband Philip Henson of Haltom City, Texas. Dennis is also survived by loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 3500 S. Bowie Street, Amarillo, Texas 79109 on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 11:00 am with reception following at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.