John Matthew "Matt" Hendrix

Memorial Services celebrating the life of John Matthew "Matt" Hendrix, 45, of Calhoun, LA will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Cedar Crest Baptist Church with Dr. Greg Clark and Rev. Werner Aswell officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00PM until service time on Saturday. 

John Matthew “Matt” Hendrix, 45, of Calhoun, Louisiana, passed away on August 16, 2025, in Calhoun. He was born September 4, 1979, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to the late John Ed Hendrix and Catherine Carnathan Hendrix. 

Matt is survived by his devoted wife of 14 years, Ashley Downhour Hendrix, and their cherished daughter, Olivia Kate Hendrix. He is also survived by his mother, Catherine Carnathan Hendrix; his sister, Allison Hendrix May, and her husband, Barry; his nieces, Emily May and Addison May; father and mother-in-law Mike and Sheila Downhour; brother-in-law, Shawn Downhour, and his wife, Maggie Downhour; his nieces, Edie Downhour and Millie Downhour; sister-in-law, Callie Downhour, his niece, Zee Downhour; and grandmother-in-law, Addi Lou Gorum.

 A proud graduate of West Monroe High School, Matt lived a life defined by service, hard work, and love. His career path was as diverse as it was meaningful: from his time as a police officer with the West Monroe Police Department and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, to bringing comfort and peace to grieving families at the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office, to working side by side with his father at Mechanical Systems and Services, learning every lesson his dad could teach him. He also spent short periods in other industries, where he built friendships that became like family — relationships that enriched his life and remained dear to him through the years.

 Seven years ago, Matt was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer — news that could have broken his spirit but instead ignited his determination. He chose to fight with every bit of strength he had. Along the way, he reached out to encourage others facing the same uphill battle, offering understanding, faith, and a reminder that hope can still shine in the darkest times. His faith remained his anchor, and he wanted others to see God’s light through him. 

When he wasn’t working or inspiring others, Matt embraced life fully. He loved duck hunting with Olivia and friends, being “that dad” cheering on Olivia loudly at her softball games, grilling for and spending quality time with family and friends, and of course, filling every room with laughter. Known for his generosity — the kind of man who’d give someone the shirt off his back — Matt was also hard-working, caring, and endlessly optimistic. In his younger years, he had a talent for getting himself and his friends into quite a bit of mischief, building memories that lasted a lifetime. Matt’s legacy is one of love, service, courage, and faith. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but the impact of his kindness, laughter, and unwavering strength will live on in the hearts he touched and the souls he pointed to Jesus Christ.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to MD Anderson or St. Jude Medical Center, both causes close to Matt’s heart. Additional donations may also be made to Marion State Bank (any branch location) established in Ashley's name for The Benefit of Olivia.