Henry LeGrande Waddell born in San Augustine, Texas, November 5, 1927. Passed away peacefully in Hospice Austin – Christopher House on Sunday, January evening. Henry was a longshoreman, a cook in the Merchant Marines, a pipe fitter, and a machinist, before finally starting a printing company with his brother in his garage in Houston, moving it several times before selling it when he was 60. The merchant marines took him around the world several times and introduced him to a variety of cooking styles and culinary menus.
Later in his life he had the desire to see other places he missed in the Merchant Marines so he started traveling around the world. During these travels he visited more than 100 countries and every continent except Antarctica. His family, friends and those he met on the road would enjoy listening to his travel stories for hours.
He moved to Liberty Hill in the summer of 2017 to spend time with his son, “Hank” Henry Jr. and his partner Karen Alexander. They spent many hours sitting on the front porch of his Man Cave. He is preceded in passing by his parents Carroll & Julia Waddell, siblings Lily Belle, Daniel, and Thomas, his first wife Hazel, and his second wife Doris. He leaves behind three children Hank, Holly, and Hunt, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Henry’s family thanks Christopher House for the amazing care of our patriarch in his final days. The family asks that donations be made to the Hospice Austin / Christopher House (512) 322-0747 in lieu of flowers.