Harold E Henegar

Harold Edwin Henegar, also known as Hal of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 27, 2010 following a great evening with family. Hal was born on July 29, 1923 in Hugo, Oklahoma --- the first born child of Dennis F. and Mabel German Henegar.

He attended schools in Choctaw County, Oklahoma and was a 1942 graduate of Plainview High School (Texas). In September of the same year, Harold enlisted in the Army AIr Corps. His love and knowledge of radio was a perfect fit for his position as air control tower operator while preparing glider pilots for the Silent Wings operations in World War II. Hal loved anything to do with radio communications from repair to engineering to over half a century as am amateur radio operator (HAM). He spent the first half of his professional life as a “on air personality” affectionately known as “Happy Hal” in Plainview, Oklahoma City, and Carlsbad, California. (note: He often reminded us, “I am an on air personality, not just a disc jockey.”) His second career was as a technician in Austin for Tracor (Texas Research Associates Corporation) from which he retired in 1989.

Hal became a Christian at an early age and was faithful in Bible study and service to the Lord and church family. He often remarked at how blessed he was, not just of world goods, but by God’s love.

In 1945, he married his school sweetheart, Lois Spracher in Hugo, Oklahoma. Briefly, they were stationed at a couple of air bases until his discharge in February, 1946. Hal and Lois lived in Texas, Oklahoma, California, and then back to Texas in 1967. Parents of three children who survive with their spouses: daughter Peggy and husband David White of Springfield, Missouri; son Dennis and wife Jan Clendenen Henegar of Austin; and Rod and wife Karen Lee Henegar of Pflugerville, Texas. There are eleven grandchildren including five spouses and fourteen great-grandchildren. Hal is survived by his siblings: brother Marvin and wife Nancie Henegar of Encinitas, California; sister Evelyn and husband Earl Castleberry of Escondido, California; and Mattie and Wendell Williamson of Colorado Springs, Colorado. There are several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends who will miss this man.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 30, 2:00 p.m. at Grace Covenant Church: 9500 Jollyville Road, Austin, Texas 78759.