Anton Frank "Tony" Henneke

The youngest of seven children, Tony was born to Anton and Rosa Gebauer Henneke in Hallettsville, Texas, on November 6, 1914, his father's birthday. He attended Fuller School in Hallettsville through the ninth grade, when he left school to assist with work on the family's large and successful farm.

He married Mary Margaret Grahmann on Armistice Day, November 11, 1935. Tony and Mary ran the family farm in Hallettsville, Texas, until 1941, when they moved to Highlands, Texas, and Tony began work at the Humble Oil Refinery in nearby Baytown, where they later moved. Tony and Mary reared four children and were very active in St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Highlands, having assisted in building the first church structure there in 1946.

Tony was also a leading sales representative for the Catholic Life Insurance Union and was honored as one of the "Twelve Apostles" ten years in a row. In 1983, Tony and Mary moved to Austin, Texas, and soon became active in the parish of St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, where they led the seniors group for a number of years. Tony was an active member of the St. Joseph Society and the Knights of Columbus.

During this time, Tony became an avid devotee of the stock market and supporter of local charities. He took up golf at the age of 76 and achieved a hole-in-one at Jimmy Clay Golf Course, September 6, 2011, at the age of 95, and shot a 90 his last day on the course at Hancock on April 13, 2012.

From his earliest days on the farm, Tony enjoyed hunting and fishing, dominoes, and a good story. Blessed with a strong native intelligence, a positive outlook, an abiding Christian faith, and belief in the medicinal power of healthy foods, he set a strong example for his family and friends. He was known for his engaging smile.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Henneke, daughter, Dolores Marie Henneke, and son, Michael Paul Henneke.

He is survived by his daughter, Pat Henneke Brown, of Austin, Texas, and son, Anthony Lynn "Tony" Henneke, of Tampa, Florida, as well as grandsons James Brown, Mike Brown, and Eric Brown, all of Austin, Texas, and great-grandchildren Alec Brown, Jackson Brown, Rafe Brown, and Lilly Brown, all of Austin, Texas.

The family would like to thank the many individuals who helped care for Tony during his last year, especially the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and aides at St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Buckner Villa Siesta Home, Buckner Hospice, and the Visiting Angels.

A rosary will be recited at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 22nd of April, at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas. Following the rosary, a funeral mass will be celebrated. A reception will follow in Wozniak Hall.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.