Our Cowboy, Freddie Lee Henning, 92 of Gonzales, Texas passed away on April 22, 2024. Freddie is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Mary Magdalena Belle Henning. Freddie was a father to 8, leaving behind 6 children, daughter, Cindy, (husband, Rocky) Burns, daughter, Linda (husband, Paul) Tanner, Randall Henning, Jenise Naylor, Denise Foreman, and Earl Henning. Papa Freddie, was a grandfather to 20 and leaves behind 19 of those Grandchildren, Heath (Cherie), Leslie, Laurie (Jody), Christy (Donnie), Joey, Jason T. (Lisa), Dana, Jason M., Sara, Chase (Celise), Lee (Kristina), Brandon (Audra), Lynzi (Rachel), Clayton (Lili), Dustin (Regina), Halie (Chad), Kayla, Chelsey (Cody), Whitney (Brandon) and John (Kori). He had 34 Great-Grandchildren, leaving behind 33, Eli, Emma, Gabe Grant, Mymorie, Hayden, Lane, Jaxon, Callie (Taylor), Blue, Rilee, Maddix, Hayes, Alex, Audrey, Alyssa, Cullen, Wade, Ali, Madison, Kayln, Kinsey, Carter, Isabella, Waylon, Weslee, Graclynn, Lynndie, Hunner, Zaynee, Dash, Jett and Karli. 3 Great-Great Granddaughters, Jolee, Ryann and Fallon. Freddie is survived by his brothers Clyde and Ray, and sisters Brenda Sue and Jimmy Lynn, and many other family members and friends.
Freddie was preceded in death by his daughter Fay Ann, son, Johnny Wade, son-in-law, Johnny Foreman, Granddaughter, Lisa Marie Meyer, Great Grandson, Earl Glenn, Parents, Earl and Gladys Henning, brothers, Tom, Clarence, Jack, Charles, Edwin, and sisters Helen Jo, Earline, and Margaret.
Freddie Lee was born to Earl and Gladys Henning on November 14, 1931, in Del-Rio, Texas. Freddie grew up with 12 siblings and enjoyed hunting, and anything to do with the outdoors. As a young-man Freddie made his living breaking horses.
Freddie was a proud veteran of the US Army. He was drafted into the Army on June 9, 1952.
On March 21, 1952, he married the love of his life, Mary Magdalena Belle. Together they created a beautiful, and loving family. Freddie’s family was his pride and joy. He would brag to anyone he saw each time there was a new grand baby coming their way. Freddie enjoyed his career working in the oil field all his life. He worked for Amerada Hess from 1954 – 1977. He and his family moved to Goliad, Texas where he and his wife became entrepreneurs, and started a company in the oilfield, We Go Swabbing. Freddie and his wife also owned and managed Hard Times Western Store in Goliad, Texas.
Freddie’s love for horses continued. Horses were his passion and he loved to share this hobby with his family. If you stopped by their ranch in Goliad, you would often find Freddie saddling up many horses for his children and grandchildren to venture out and ride together. Freddie also spent a lot of his time raising and training racehorses. Freddie was always excited to share the news of his new colts and his plans for future races. Freddie had a heart for animals, especially his dogs, wherever Freddie went you would see a pack of loyal trained dogs at his side.
Freddie was an avid poker player and enjoyed gathering around the poker table with sons, grandsons, brother in laws, son in laws, and nephews. Freddie looked forward to the annual family poker game at the Henning reunion. Poker will not be the same without Freddie.
Freddie was a teacher of many things to all his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for teaching all his granddaughters to dance on the porch of their Goliad home, teaching his grandsons how to play poker, strumming on the guitar, taking care of livestock and work in the oilfield. Freddie was a competitive man and often challenged his grandchildren to a front yard footrace, where he showed no mercy and often won. Freddie was never hesitant to pick up his guitar and sing to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
We will cherish the memories and he will be greatly missed.
Freddie’s family will receive visitors at Rosewood Funeral Home at 3304 East Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, Texas, 77904 on Friday, May 3rd all visitors are welcomed from 5-7p.m., followed by a Rosary. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, May 4th at 10:00AM at St. Joseph Church, 17 Church Street, Inez, Texas, followed by a military honor at the cemetery.
Pallbearers, Grandsons: Heath Burns, Joey Hues, Jason Tanner, Chase Naylor, Lee Henning, Brandon Fromme, Clayton Fromme, Dustin Henning, and John Foreman.
Memorials donations may be made to Victoria County Veterans Council, P.O. Box 7382, Victoria, TX 77903.
Family and Friends are welcomed to join us for lunch and fellowship at the church hall following the burial.
