Dr. Henry M. "Mit" Sorrels

He was born the 18th of February 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas. While growing up he lived in Temple, Austin and College Station. He attended Texas A&M, served in the Army during WWII in Japan, returned to Texas A&M, graduated from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in 1952, and then served in the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict at Pork Chop Hill.

In 1954, Mit married his sweetheart Lilian Hornak. He practiced dentistry in Houston for 36 years. He served on the faculty of the University of Texas Dental Branch as a professor and chairman for 21 years and was awarded the Professional Emeritus Status.

He was very active in his profession having served as President with the Houston District Dental Society, Texas Dental Association and Vice President of the American Dental Association. He served on the Medical Advisory Committee to the Board of the Department of Mental Health and Rehabilitation. For his professional activities he received 100’s of awards and honors. He was also a Mason having belonged to both York and Scottish Rite as well as Arabia Shrine Temple. In testament to his service he was coroneted with the rank and dignity of a 33 Degree, Inspector General Honorary Mason.

Some of his academic appointments include The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston Dental Branch Chairman and Professor, Department of Practice relations and Management 1982-1993. His professional honors include the ADA Presidential Citation 1993; Deans Teaching Excellence Award-University of Texas Dental Branch 1989-1990, Professor Emeritus- The University of Texas 1996, Gold medal for Distinguished Service- Texas Dental Association, 30 year award 2000. He was a fellow of DDS, FACD, FICD, FADI, and FAES. Mit received the 1st President’s Award for Houston District Dental Society in 1985 and the Distinguished Service Award from Texas Dental Association in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1993. He also received Dentist of the Year from Texas Academy of General Dentistry in 1977. He was listed as an Outstanding Alumnus from University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston Alumni in 1977. He received the Honorary Admiral of the Republic of Texas Navy by the Governor of the State of Texas 1986-1987. He is a past-president of Psi Omega Fraternity and a Life Member. Mit also became a member of Toastmasters International in 1992. He also held numerous councils of the Academy of General Dentistry. He was the President of Texas Section 1975-1976. Mit was honored to be the Past Keeper of the Kettle from 1968 to the present for JJP. He was a member of the Sul Ross Lodge #1300, in College Station, Texas and a 50 year Endowed Member. He was also a 50 year member of the Arabia Temple and a Patrol Member. He was a member of the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children and was on the Board of Governors for nine years and Emeritus Member in 2000. As a member of the Royal Order of Jesters #136 he was a Past Director and a member of the American Association of Dental Insultants.

Mit was also an exceptional dancer and loved to ballroom dance with his wife Lil.

He was a gifted humorist and delighted local and national audiences alike with his clean storytelling.

He and his son gathered a collection of 5000 stories in a book, “The Indispensable Guide to Clean Humor and Wit”, reflecting these unique stories and jokes.

He was a natural athlete. He was an avid golfer, loved to fish, and bowl. He loved to play cards, dominos as well as entertain his children and grandchildren with card and domino games and tricks.

Mit is survived by his wife, Lilian Dagmar Hornak, who was his companion in everything he did; son, Kevin Sorrels; daughters Kristi Sorrels and Karen Arnst. He is also survived by devoted sister-in-law Ann Hornak; brother in law Joe Hornak and half-brother Thomas Lilley, niece and nephews and seven grandchildren.

We know that he is reunited with his friends and relatives in God’s presence.

The funeral service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 29th of May, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

The family will gather for a private interment at College Station Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, the family requests with gratitude that contributions in Mit’s memory may be directed to Shriner’s Hospital for Children- Burns Unit, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550.

Mit is a testament of how many lives he touched with his humor, loyalty, friendship and diligent leadership in his profession and how many generations he impacted through his mentoring. The heart of his humor was always that “laughter is healing.”

“Meeting adjourned.”