Rufus Henry Obituary - Irving, Texas | Browns Memorial Funeral Home
Rufus Henry
In Memory of
Rufus Anthony "Hank"
Henry
1933 - 2014
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Obituary for Rufus Anthony "Hank" Henry

Rufus Anthony "Hank"  Henry
Rufus Anthony “Hank” Henry (known as Hank to his Texan brothers, sisters and friends, while his Louisiana brothers, sisters and friends called him Rue, Hump or Rufus) was born in Jeanerette, Louisiana on April 25, 1933 died October 2, 2014 at 81 years of age. Preceded in death by his mother Alice Leger Henry, his father Lenis Gilbert Henry, siblings Julius Henry Raoul Henry, John Henry, Percy Henry, infant sister, Aggles Guidry, sister Claudette (Eula Henry), Gladys Louiviere, Orita Duhon; children, infant daughter Kathryn Melody, and two miscarried, unnamed infant sons. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Marie Sosa Henry; children, Patricia Lynne Henry Tarlton & Neal; Cynthia Karen Henry Hearne, & Patrick Terence Henry & Andrea; grandchildren, Sonya Michelle Gavin Alcala & Carlos, Nathan Christopher Gavin and Courtney, Jonathan Kyle Gavin and Brigette, Blake Allen Tarlton, Melissa Rene Tarlton, and Michael Andrew Nolan; great grandchildren, Alyssa Nicole Alcala, Andrew Jordan Alcala, Farah Kylee Gavin; Makayla Grace Villegas, Maddox Anthony Villegas, Madison Elaine Gavin and Ethan William Gavin; siblings Gilbert Henry and all his Fraternal and Christian brothers and sisters. Rufus was the youngest of 12 children, born on a farm to a share cropping family. Lived and worked on a farm until the age of 14 when his father retired. The family moved to New Iberia, LA in 1947. He graduated from New Iberia High School in May, 1951. He gained employment with AT&T Telephone Company where he worked as a Lineman, Installer and Dispatcher until 1965. From 1953 to 1955 he took a break from AT&T to serve in the United States Army at Fort Bliss, TX. He returned to AT&T after his service to his country was concluded. He married Becky on May 7, 1955 whom he met in El Paso, TX while in the Army. They lived in New Iberia, LA for two years, moved to El Paso in 1957, and then moved to Irving in 1965. He went to school to be an Electronics Technician and worked as one for six years. In 1972, Hank gained employment with Met Life during his first year as a salesman, he attained membership in the Million Dollar Club, having sold over a million dollars of insurance in nine months. During his eight years in the insurance business he completed LUTC (Life Underwriting Training Council), and finished two years of the four year course for CLU certification. In 1975, he became disabled and was forced to take disability retirement. At that time, being the energetic, positive person that he was, he opened and operated “Henry’s Frame and Ceramics Shop” until 1982 when his disability became too severe for him to continue. He built custom frames of all sizes and shapes and also taught ceramic and art classes. He was a Certified Reward Instructor. Hank became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) in 1984. He participated in all units of the Order and served as Noble Grand of Irving Lodge #872. He was a member of Rebekah Lodge #12, Haslip Encampment #72 and Dallas Canton #6. He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas and as Sovereign Grand Marshal of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the World. Rufus Anthony (Hank) Henry accepted Christ and was baptized and was added to the family of God on June 24, 1966. He was involved in teaching Sunday school to teenage and adult classes. He was asked to preach at several churches.The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at the funeral home. The Odd Fellow service will immediately following the funeral service. Interment to be held at 12:30 PM at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.AlzDallas.org or at 4144 North Central Expressway, Suite 750, Dallas, TX 75204.

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