Milton Alfred Hendrickson, Jr.

Milton Alfred Hendrickson, Jr., 70, of Shelbyville, IL, passed on May 13, 2026, at 7:20 pm in Shelbyville Manor with his wife and grandchild at his side.

Milton was born on November 21, 1955, in Cambridge, England, the eldest child of Milton Alfred Sr. and Dorreen Willcott Hendrickson. His father’s USAF career took the family from England to North Carolina to Georgia and finally to Tucson, Arizona, where Milton graduated from Sahuaro High School in 1975. In later years, he completed a truck driving course at Pima Community College. He had a long career as an ASE certified master tech working at several shops in Tucson and in the family Arco station in San Diego, California. He enjoyed the travel as his truck driving career took him from one end of the USA to the other.

Milton was first married to Barbara Elaine Morgan and helped to raise her son, Keith Boerum. He later married Patricia Anne Tait on October 9, 2005, in Shelbyville, IL, and became a great stepdad to her daughter, Miriam Therese Tait.

Milton’s hobbies and interests included any sort of auto mechanics, flying remote-control aircraft, anime, the Marvel and DC universes and cooking fabulous meals. He was a member of the Tri-County R/C club and the Academy of Model Avionics. His favorite full-sized aircraft was the SR71 Blackbird. Milton could rarely pass a lifted vehicle hood without stopping to offer advice or assistance. All one needed to do was ask and he would help with anything he could.

Milton is survived by his wife, Patti; siblings, Kerry Anne, David Wayne Hendrickson (Laura Beth), and John Glenn Hendrickson (Susan); his stepson, Keith Boerum (Jerri); step-grandchild, Dean Walters; nieces, Emily and Victoria; nephews, Edward, Neil and Kyle; several great-nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepdaughter, Miriam.

A celebration of Milton’s life will be held at 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville, IL, with Brother Darrell Best officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL. Memorials may be given to Shelbyville High School (Memo: Manufacturing Program).