Paul J. Hendricks, 82, of Metamora, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, April 30th in Batesville, IN.
Born November 11, 1942, in Indianapolis to Paul and Margaret Hendricks, Paul is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Margaret Salo and Nancy Watkins. He is survived by his brother, Jerry Hendricks.
After earning his bachelor’s from Indiana Central College in 1965 and a master’s in education from Ball State in 1966, Paul entered the Peace Corps. In 1969 he moved to San Diego, California, where he met his wife of 2 years and taught business and economics for 30 years. An avid traveler and race walker, Paul set the American record in the 100-mile National Championship Racewalk in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA in 1980.
Knowing Metamora his entire life, it captured his heart in the early ’90s, and he became a fixture on the trail and around town—always ready with a story.
He went on to explore over 35 countries where he collected many artifacts of strange and unusual oddities where he displayed them in his museum at ‘The Metamora Museum of Oddities. He enjoyed telling his adventures to anyone that stopped by. He also worked on the canal boat for many years sharing the history of Metamora.
His deep Christian faith inspired him to build his beloved “Castle on the Hill,” that has inspired many stories from all over. He made this place his home for many years before sharing his time between Florida and Metamora the last several years.
Family & friends may visit from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Deacon Mark Schmidl will officiate the Catholic Funeral Rite at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Laurel North Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.
The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Hendricks family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .