Robert Walton Henke

Robert Walton Henke was born January 17, 1929 to Reinhart and Ruth Henke. He had one brother Richard who he was very close to. Being a native here in Colorado he attended Saint John’s Lutheran School, and South High. From there at the age of seventeen he enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Japan. After his service he came back to Colorado where he met his best friend and loving wife Shirley Oliver. From the first day they met Bob and Shirley had an unfailing love for each other that would overcome any obstacle. They married August 11, 1950. They had four children: Dennis, Bruce, Ann, and Cathy, three grandchildren: Chris, Brandon, Elizabeth, and one great-grandchild Lucas. Family was the most important part of Bobs life he would do anything in the world for his family no matter what was needed. His passions in life included traveling, telling jokes, meeting new people, music, his cabin in the mountains, fishing, his dogs, cooking and of course Elvis. Throughout Bob’s life time he has visited all fifty states, accumulated thousands of jokes that he would tell to anyone he came in contact with, sat countless hours in his cabin, and fishing with his family at different lakes, and was even the president of an Elvis club. Bob loved to bring his family to listen to Elvis performers. His favorite and even said to be adopted granddaughter was Shelvis. Besides Elvis one of his good friends and favorite singer was Rudy Grant. At each and every concert Bob and Shirley attended they would sing to each other one of Bob’s most cherished songs “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. Even though Bob had so many passions in life his most known attribute was his walking sticks. Even when people did not know his name they knew him as backwards BOB or the walking stick man. He always said he loved making walking sticks because of the opportunity it gave him to meet new people. There was not a single time Bob went out where he did not stop and talk to at least ten people about his stick. He loved to show these people his picture book of his accomplishments of 400 walking sticks some even signed by famous entertainers, and athletes, but being the humble man he was he always credited God for his talent and believed that everyone could do what he did. There will never be another devoted husband, family man, friend and artist like Bob. You will be truly missed!