Donald Hugh Hennier of North Kansas City, Missouri, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, dedicated golfer, and cherished member of the community, passed away in his North Kansas City home surrounded by his loving family on May 2, 2024. He was a 3rd generation Kansas Citian born on October 31, 1929, to parents August and Helen Hennier. He was the youngest of seven siblings who grew up in Kansas City’s rough and tumble East Side neighborhood.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Lou (Dodson) Hennier, whom he had the great fortune to meet on his way home from work on the 24th Street streetcar in June 1950. Soon after, Don asked for her hand in marriage and they were married on December 30, 1950 at St. Michael Church. Their dear lifelong friends Dot Whitney and Tom Nash were maid of honor/best man, and the rest is history.
In April 1951 and soon after getting married, Don was drafted into the US Army. He was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany for 18 months and was visited there by Mary Lou, who traveled by steamship to spend 3 months with him in Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the service, Don worked 25 years for Cook Paint, which included transfers to St. Louis and Houston. Along the way, Don and Mary Lou presided over a wild and wooly household of four boys, Jeff, Doug, Dave and Andy. Don moved the family back to Kansas City, his home and the place he loved in 1975, and finished his career with 15 years of service at TNEMEC in Northtown in 1992. He was a long-time supporter of the KCPCA and KCSCT professional associations.
A passionate golfer, Don spent as much time as he could on the golf course, where he found joy, camaraderie, and a sense of peace. He enjoyed sharing his love for the game, guiding his sons and many others to play golf. He played his last round with his surviving sons just 2 months prior to his passing, hitting his signature down-the-middle of the fairway tee shots and sinking a few great putts well into his 94th year. His skill and love for the game inspired all who knew him, and he leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship and dedication.
Beyond his love for golf, music, travel, all things Chiefs and Royals, gardening and many other hobbies, Don was a devoted father and family man. He was known for his personable manner, good humor, and unwavering support for his loved ones. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to Mary Lou, sons Jeff (Peggy) of Moab, Utah, Doug (Sarah) of Shawnee, Kansas, and Andy (Tonya) of Kansas City; grandchildren Katie Wasserstrom (Max), Sarah Hennier (Luke), and Haley Hennier-Wink (Matt); and great- grandchildren Kennedy, Olivia and Audrey survive Don. He is preceded in death by his beloved son David.
A visitation is scheduled from 9:00 - 11:00 AM, with Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 8th at St. Patrick Catholic Church where Don and Mary Lou worshipped their Catholic faith since 1975. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick Church.
