Henry A. McCandless

Henry graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1950. Later he worked on his Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering during his Teaching Fellowship at Texas Tech. He earned his Master of Science in absentia, in 1954. In 1970 he graduated from the University of Chicago with an MBA – XP. He held many positions with Stanolind Oil and Gas, Pan Am Southern Corporation/American Oil Refining, Tuloma Gas Products, Standard Oil Company, and finally Amoco Chemicals from which he retired after a 36-year career in 1990.

On May 27, 1950 he married the love of his life, Marjorie L. Powell. (“The woman who was worth every minute of my life”) Together they had three children, Debra, Bryan, and Melanie.

Henry and Margie “Mamoi” retired to Sand Springs, Oklahoma in 1990 and resided there until 2013 when they moved to Decatur, Alabama. He was very active in Rotary and the community while living in Sand Springs.

Men like, Henry are the type who gave more to the world than they took. He is loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his dearly loved only grandson, Michael Henry Luchtefeld. His parents, H.L. McCandless and cherished mother, Bud. Four brothers, Paul, Daughtridge “Doc”, David, and Manuel. One sister, Marjorie Lorene.

He is survived by his wife, Margie, of 66 years and his three children, Debra A. Baker of Charlotte N.C., Bryan L. McCandless (Mary) of Crystal Lake, IL and Melanie L. Luchtefeld (Stephen) of Decatur, AL. Two sisters survive him, Maxine Wilburn of Avery, Tx and Llewellyn “Lou” and husband James Prothro of Lubbock, Tx. Grandchildren, Elizabeth Carriker, Katie Stafford, Deborah Blee, Katherine Macera, Kristyn McCandless, and Brittany Luchtefeld. Nine great grandchildren and his special buddy “Lil Bucko.”

Donations may be given to any of the following: American Lung Association, JDRF, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

He held my hand over 66 years and wiped away all my tears. We knew our love was there to stay and neither of us did ever stray. Whenever sorrow came our way, his loving hands helped calm my day. And now today where do I turn? My empty heart holds his hands tight and firm.

~Mamoi 10/5/2016