THOMAS HENNEKE
1956-2022 Thomas Andrew “Tommy” Henneke, 66, of Columbus, Texas, passed away on September 25, 2022, in Columbus, Texas.
He was born on February 7, 1956 to Edbert Louis Henneke and Ernestine Elizabeth (Neuendorff) Henneke in Sealy, Texas. He married Sandra Kay Noska on October 2, 1982. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Tommy worked as a welder for many years. He was well known for his fabrication skills and his expert craftsmanship. Large barbecue pits and specialized trailers were some his most requested projects. Tommy also proudly served his community as a member of the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department for fifteen years, from 1980 to 1995.
One of Tommy’s favorite pastimes was spending time on the coast, surf fishing and fishing from the jetties. He would often put up a tent and spend the entire night fishing and hunting crab with lanterns on the beach with his kids. He also enjoyed hunting, whether it was nearby on family property or as the designated cook on extended trips to South Texas.
Tommy also loved to cook and garden. Each of his barbecues was a large event, and he never fired up his pit unless it was fully loaded with several of his favorite meats. He especially loved cooking for family holiday gatherings. Everyone always raved about his delicious smoked pork butts and came back for seconds. Another of Tommy’s specialties was sausage making. He had quite an elaborate sausage stuffing operation in his workshop, and he enjoyed researching recipes and trying out many different types of sausage. He also spent hours planting and plowing his garden.
Tommy’s biggest joy, however, was being Grandpa to his adoring grandchildren. He always went out of his way to do whatever he could to bring a smile to their faces. Every Christmas, he dressed as Santa and dropped in for a visit and pictures.
Tommy is survived by his wife of almost forty years, Sandra Henneke; mother, Ernestine Henneke; daughter, Haley Fuentes and husband Jeremy; son, Ryan Thomas Henneke and wife Jennifer; sister, Susan Henneke Merriman; brothers, Charles J. Henneke and wife Bonnie, Robert H. Henneke and wife Katharine, and Bruce P. Henneke and wife Leslie; sister-in-law, Judi Henneke; brothers-inlaw, Kenny Noska and wife Anet and Glen Noska and wife Kate; grandchildren, Danica Reid “Dani” Fuentes, Truett Thomas Fuentes, Jonathan Summerlin, and Connor Neil.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edbert Henneke; brother, Mark Q. Henneke; fatherin- law, Raymond Noska; and mother-in-law, Pearl Noska.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A parish prayer service and rosary was held at 7 p.m. with Deacon John Glueck officiating.
Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, Texas. Fr. Augustine N. Asante officiated. Visitation at the church was Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. Burial took place in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus, Texas.
Pallbearers were Justin Henneke, Chad Henneke, Jonathan Summerlin, Connor Neil, Wayne Henneke, Bradley Berger, Jeremy Fuentes, and Mike Booker.
Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.