John Thomas Henke

John Thomas Henke, resident of Lamar, Mississippi, retired construction superintendant and United States Army Veteran departed this life Thursday morning, November 7, 2013 at his residence. He was 90 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Graveside Services of Remembrance for Mr. Henke were conducted at 11 A.M. Thursday, November 14th with Bro. Don Wilson, a retired Presbyterian minister of Byhalia, Mississippi, officiating. Interment with Military Honors followed in the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Germantown. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Henke was born August 14, 1923 in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.W. Henke and Pearl Howard Henke. He moved at an early age to Shelby County and received his education in the Memphis City Public School System. He served his country in the United States Army during the World War II Period. After serving in the military, Mr. Henke furthered his education by attending an area trade school.

Mr. Henke was a longtime employee of the E.L. Bruce Company in Memphis and served as construction superindentant for over 32 years before his retirement 28 years ago. He enjoyed cattle and livestock in past years and had been a resident of the Lamar Community for 40 years. He will be remembered for receiving pleasure in helping others and had been active in Veterans of Foreign Wars affairs with membership in the Holly Springs, Mississippi VFW Post and serving as past commander of the post. Vegetable gardening, woodworking and outdoor activities were things that Mr. Henke enjoyed as long as health permitted.

Mr. Henke is survived by his daughter, Judy Perez of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; his stepdaughter, Rita Hall (Phil) of Somerville; his step granddaughter, Cindy Hyde of Memphis; and one step great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Barbara Hanvey; his stepson, Jerry Hanvey; two sisters, Georgia and Artense; and his brother, Leo Henke.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174.