Dr. Cecil L. Henkel

Our precious Cecil L. Henkel was called into the arms of his Heavenly Father on December 9, 2019. Cecil was born in 1926 on the Henkel farm in Cost, Texas. He was the youngest of 11 children born to Rudolph Henry Henkel and Hulda Amelie Muenzler Henkel. Cecil graduated from Gonzales High School and attended Southwest Texas Teachers College in San Marcos, Texas.

After graduation, Cecil worked at Texas City Refinery. It was in Texas City that he found the love of his life, Joyce Nadine Cramer Henkel. Cecil and Nadine met on a double blind date in which they were set up with the other parties. They quickly determined that a “date switch” would be necessary and ended up together by the time the evening was over. That switch must have been the right decision because Cecil and Nadine were married for 65 years and created a beautiful family of four children and five grandchildren. Cecil and Nadine shared an unbreakable bond and the love they had for each other was immeasurable.

After their wedding, Nadine asked Cecil if there was anything he wanted to do in life and he replied, “I’ve always wanted to go to medical school” so she said, “Let’s go”. Cecil graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and served his residency at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin. Subsequently, Dr. Henkel settled down with his family in Pasadena, Texas and was one of the first doctors to practice at the newly established Southmore Hospital. Over a career spanning five decades, Dr. Henkel was a general practitioner and did everything from sewing up heads and setting broken arms to managing the common cold, delivering babies and even piercing ears on the kitchen table. Cecil loved every single one of his patients and cared for them with everything he had. Along with a passion for medicine, Cecil loved fishing. He fished throughout the Americas, but nothing could beat his speckled trout and flounder fishing in Galveston Bay.

Cecil was the embodiment of a father, without errors or pedantry. He raised gentlemen and ladies. Whether they were his children or the children of others, he influenced all of those to be a better version of themselves. Whoever came into his home, he treated as one of his own. A guest, a child, a friend…all were greeted and all were welcomed. Most importantly, all were respected and loved; that is the legacy of a true father.

As a child and young adult, Cecil’s family was active in the Methodist Church in Monthalia, TX and at Floyd Chapel where his father served as music minister. He and Nadine were devoted members of the First Christian Church Pasadena for 60 years.

Cecil is survived by sons James Alan Henkel, Gregory Paul Henkel and his life partner Hannah; daughter Sandrea Joyce Henkel Crivellari and her husband Robert; grandchildren, JoAnn Nadine Henkel and her life partner Blake, Brylan Joseph Crivellari, Brett Nadine Crivellari, Cameron Ashley Crivellari, and Brooke Elizabeth Crivellari; nephews, Arnold and wife Marylyn; Stan and wife Betty; Bill and wife Jennifer; and niece, Kay and husband Kenneth; sisters-in-law, Polly Hanley, and Patty Cramer and numerous great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Dr. Henkel is preceded in death by his beautiful and loving wife, Joyce Nadine Cramer Henkel; parents Rudolph Henry Henkel and Hulda Amelie Muenzler Henkel; son, Richard Lee Henkel; and siblings: Elmer, Evelyn, Mae, Ruby, Paul, Leona “Tot”, Ruth, Carlos, and James, all with whom we know he is joyously reunited.

During Cecil’s final months, he was lovingly and respectfully cared for by Sheretha Daniels. Sheretha was not only a caregiver, but has become a friend and additional member of our family. She also took care of Nadine, and we are forever grateful for Sheretha and the extraordinary care she gave our dear parents and for her enduring faith and support which brought much comfort to all of us during this time.

Dr. Cecil L. Henkel was a treasure who touched the lives of those around him. His love and light shine through his family and those who loved him.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. on Friday, December 13, at Forest Park East (21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX 77598), followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. After the funeral service, a reception will be held at the funeral home for all those who wish to help the family continue celebrating Cecil. All are welcome, even if you are unable to attend the service. The family would love to see you.