Harry Atwood Henkel Jr.

Harry A. Henkel Jr. NEWPORT NEWS - Harry Atwood Henkel Jr., 97, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News. He was born Sept. 9, 1911, in Rice, Va., and was the son of Harry Atwood and Mary Henkel. He lived in Newport News from 1920 until the time of his death. He was a graduate of the 1927 class at Newport News High School and the 1932 class at the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School and was one of its oldest living alumni. He attended North Carolina State University briefly. He retired in 1976 as an engineering specialist from Newport News Shipbuilding after 45 years having worked in Machinery Design as a ship repair estimator from 1946 to 1949. He was a past member of the Society of Naval Architects, James River Hunt Club and a founding and life member of the Lafayette Gun Club. He was also a life member of the National Rifle Association. He was a longtime active member of First United Methodist Church and had served in many leadership capacities there. Mr. Henkel is survived by his son, Samual Douglas Henkel and his wife Toni of Norfolk; two nieces, Edna Earl Lauterbach and her husband Wayne, their three daughters and families of Studley, Va., Martha Henkel Clark and her husband Dr. Richard F. Clark of Hampton; sister-in-law, Catherine Henkel of Hurst, Texas; many cousins; and longtime companion, Jeanne S. McClellan of Newport News. A memorial service celebrating the life of Mr. Henkel will be conducted by the Rev. John LeGault at First United Methodist Church in Newport News Thursday at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at a reception in the fellowship hall of the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Foundation of First United Methodist Church, of which Mr. Henkel was a founding member. Send donations to: First United Methodist Church Foundation, 10246 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.