Henry Clarence Sheegog

Henry “Hank” Sheegog was born on February 1, 1936, in Charleston, Mississippi. In the early 1940s, he moved with his family to St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended Carver and Sumner High Schools and began developing the values of service, faith, perseverance, and community that guided his life.

At age 18, Hank enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served for 24 years, reenlisting in 1961 and retiring in 1978. His distinguished military career included tours in Germany, Vietnam, and Korea, reflecting his courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his country.

After retiring from the Army, Hank and his family settled in Olympia, Washington, where he continued a life of service. He worked as a manager at VIPS Restaurant, an insurance sales manager for Combined Insurance, and later spent 15 years with the Washington State Employment Security Department in the Veterans Services Unit, helping fellow veterans transition into civilian life. He also pursued studies in Sociology, Psychology, and Political Economy at The Evergreen State College.

Hank was a devoted and respected Mason. Beginning his Masonic journey in 1980, he became a member of Egyptian Lodge #44 and Fred U. Harris Lodge #70, later serving as Worshipful Master and holding several Grand Lodge leadership roles. In Scottish Rite Masonry, he was a chartered member and Commander-in-Chief of Capital City Consistory No. 106, a 33° Mason, and Sovereign Grand Inspector General Emeritus for Washington and Oregon.

Even in retirement, Hank remained active in his community. He served as Investment Coordinator for the South Sound Investment Group, founded a neighborhood Pinochle Club, volunteered weekly at the American Lake Veterans Golf Course, and became a first-time author in 2025. He was known for his wisdom, humor, and memorable sayings, and for the encouragement he gave to others.

In the late 1960’s, while stationed in Augusta, Georgia, Hank met and married Gertrude “Trudy” Scott. They shared more than 40 years of marriage, enjoying time together playing pinochle, bowling, traveling, and watching their grandchildren grow up, until her passing in 2009. Together they raised three children: Reggie - deceased (Janice), Porsha (Jason), and Lenora (Joshua). He was a proud grandfather to Alexis, Alexander, Vallane, and Ziah, and great-grandfather to Nijah and Symphony.

In 2017, Hank married Paula Malloy-Hayward, gaining a loving extended family. Together they enjoyed playing pinochle, traveling, and attending the events and activities of their grandchildren. He embraced her children Jeff, Chris, Matt, and Jessica Louise and cherished their grandchildren, Gavin, Chad, Ryan, Sidney, Mallory, Lily Morgan, Cooper, Reese, and along with two great-grandchildren Luna and Atlas.

Hank is also survived by his sister Dorothy Jean Dotson of St. Louis, along with her children: KayLois, Linda, Veronica, Vida (deceased), Barclay, Beverly (deceased) and Kyle and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Keola Snider. Her children: Levoria (deceased), Robert (deceased), Leatrice, Derek and Dante (deceased) and many nieces and nephews.

Hank’s life was defined by service, leadership, faith, humor, and deep love for family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the communities he strengthened, and the family he so dearly loved.