Samuel Alan Hendricks, 68 years old, passed peacefully at home on August 30, 2017 surrounded by his loving family in Austin, TX.  

Sam was born in Minden, Nebraska, October 2, 1948 to Kathleen and Donald Hendricks.  He began his professional music career in high school at age 16. He married Peggy Manee in 1971, while they were both attending Adams State College (now University). While raising their 4 children, Sam continued to play music, on tours for a while, then returned to Adams State and completed a BA in Music (’82), and a BS in Chemistry (’87). He then moved the family to Austin, where he earned his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from UT (’91). He taught Chemistry for a semester at Adams State, then returned to Austin, doing research at UT, but circumstances, and his love for music, led him back playing music, again in 1993, and he has continued to perform (mostly in Texas) ever since. Over his 53-year music career he performed with numerous and varied groups, that covered all types of music, including: classical piano, jazz, country, Rock and Roll, R&B. Sam played and recorded around Colorado and Texas with groups including Country Cookin’, Tennessee Hat Band, David Allan Coe, Tumbleweed, OMI Express, Yard Dogs, Dixie Dix, Ronny Spears and Buffalo Speedway, Penny Gilley, Macon Grayson, Gary P. Nunn, Chris Wall, Flounders without Eyes, Jay Boy Adams, Leeann Atherton, Rhythmic Statues, Bobby Rambo, Viva Terlingua Revived, Richmond Brothers, Lost Wages, and many others.

Sam is survived by his wife of 46 years, Peggy, their two daughters, Christine Richardson (husband, Brad Richardson) and JoAnne Hendricks; his two sons, Travis Hendricks (wife, Brandi Hendricks) and Lucas Hendricks (wife, Katie Hendricks); five grandchildren; brothers, Daniel Hendricks and Scott Hendricks (wife, Kathy Hendricks); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Kathleen and Donald Hendricks, his brother Ronald Hendricks, and his sister Patricia Johnson.

Sam’s Celebration of Life Memorial starts at 3:00 pm on December 16 at Leon Memorial Concert Hall, Adams State University.  After the ceremony, friends and family are invited to move to the Elks Hall for a light dinner and an evening of live music performances which will include Tumbleweed, in various combinations, as well as some of their current groups.