Henry Joe Henke passed away suddenly at his home in Hallettsville, Texas at the age of 80 on September 6, 2017.

Henry Joe was born on August 19, 1937 to Henry Joseph and Elizabeth Hermes Henke Sr. in Hallettsville. He was the oldest of eight children. He married Marcella Vana (who to this day, says he was the most loving husband a man can be) on May 3, 1959 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Praha, Texas. He and Marcella welcomed a son, Henry Joe Henke III in June of 1961.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Henry Joe served as trustee on the Archdiocese School Board for four years. He was also a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member.

Henry Joe spent 28 plus years in service to his country. He was twice awarded the Army's Commendation Medal, the highest award given in peace time. He retired with the rank of Lt. Col.

For over 56 years, Henry Joe was an active member in the Lion's Club. He served as president of the Hallettsville Lions Club three times, served six years as the secretary and as a Tail Twister. He served as the Lions Club District Governor in 1985-1986 and received the 100% District Governor award from the Lions International Association. Henry Joe was awarded the International Presidents Medal and the International Presidents Special Award for Growth. He was recognized by the Past District Governor association for his membership achievement and presented with a life membership to the association. He served as trustee for the Texas Lion Foundation for 12 years, President of the Lions Eye Bank of Texas and numerous committee assignments for the Texas Lions Camp. Henry Joe is a Melvin Jones Fellow, Life Member of the Texas Lions Camp and a Progressive Texas Lions Fellow. He was voted in to the District 2-S4 Ring of Honor in 2014. He served as a guiding Lion for several new clubs including Shiner Lions Club, Moulton's Lions Club and Falls City Lions Club.

In his community of Hallettsville, he was honored as Citizen of the Year. He served as President of the Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and instituted the Miss Hallettsville pageant. He was also honored by the FFA as an Honorary Chapter Farmer. He served as Scout master for ten years and received the Scouters Award of Merit.

Henry Joe was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Elizabeth Hermes Henke, brother David William Henke, sister-in-law Cheryl Fisher Henke and stepmother Celie Chapman Henke.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marcella Vana Henke; son Henry Joe (Joey) Henke III and wife Debra; four brothers, Msgr. James (Jim) Henke, Robert (Bob) Henke and wife Jeanette, Paul Henke and wife Annette, and Patrick (Pat) Henke and wife Gayle; two sisters, Mary Rose Barta and husband Clarence and Barbara Grahmann and husband Robert; sister-in-law Jeanette Henke; and two grandchildren, Catherine Victoria Henke and Henry Joseph Henke IV.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Monday, September 11, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Sunday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; with Rosary starting at 6 pm. Officiant: Msgr. James Henke. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Texas Lions Camp, P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, TX 78029. Entombment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.