Henry Louis Solomonson, Jr.

Henry Louis Solomonson, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas died Monday, December 24, 2001, at the age of 92. He was born to Elsa Kullman Solomonson and Henry Louis Solomonson, Sr. in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was in the Naval ROTC. After becoming an Eagle Scout, he was an outstanding Scoutmaster. He received the Beck Award in Scouting for jumping into a lake to save a drowning boy. Henry was always interested in aviation. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1932 in the first class of the Guggenheim School of Aeronautical Engineering. His love of flight resulted in his obtaining his pilot's license in 1940. Henry served our country during World War II by working on aircraft carriers at Puget Sound Naval Yard in Washington state. After World War II, he began working with our country's space program, eventually moving to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He retired as Nuclear Coordinator of the Army Antimissile Defense Program in 1973. Henry loved sports, especially tennis, fishing and golf. His interest in gardening and photography were life-long pursuits. He enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to see many parts of our world. He devoted his time and energy to numerous civic and charitable organizations. He was a Mason for 56 years and a Shriner for 44 years. Henry was a past president of Temple B'nai Sholom, Huntsville, Alabama. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Elks, Kiwanis and Lions in Huntsville. After moving to San Antonio in 1984, Henry co-founded the Scottish Rite Learning Center of South Texas. The Mason's dyslexia program is used by San Antonio school districts to help children with special needs. He was a member of the Alzafar Shrine Temple, Masonic-Helion Lodge #1 A.F. & A.M., Huntsville, AL, KCCH, Honorary Member of National Sojourners, Blue Lodge and Temple Beth El. Henry moved to San Antonio in 1984 to be near his children and grandchildren; his happiest times were those spent with his family. For 39 years, he was married to his first wife, Helen Elaine Lichten Solomonson, who passed away in 1980. His second wife, Bernice Gideon Solomonson passed away this year. His sister, Louise Solomonson Rosen and her husband, Louis Rosen, preceded him in death. Henry is survived by his children, Nancy and Barry Portnoy, San Antonio; grandchildren, Stephanie Portnoy and fiancée, Cleo Li, Austin, TX, Susan and Paul Epner, Austin, TX, Stephanie and David Portnoy, Dallas, TX. Henry's three very cherished great-granddaughters are Jordan Taylor Portnoy, Alexis Elaine Portnoy and Allison Josie Epner. Survivors also include nephews, Ronald Rosen and wife, Marilyn, Henry Rosen and wife, Carol; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leo and Shirley Lichten; and numerous cousins. Henry will be missed by all his friends and family who loved him dearly. We have lost a great southern gentlemen, one with intelligence and a heart filled with kindness and love.