John Chester Hencke, Jr., also known as Jack Hencke, 66, of Highlands, TX, peacefully succumbed to a short battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his wife and children, Monday, July 24, 2017, at the VA Hospital in Houston, TX. He was born August 25, 1950, in Baytown, TX, the son of John and Doris Hood Hencke.

Jack graduated from Sterling High School, Class of 1970. Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Army in Germany. After the military, he married Elizabeth Irene Culwell, and they settled in Highlands, TX, where they raised 5 children. They celebrated 37 wonderful years of marriage in February.

Jack relished bird watching, baseball, and gardening. He loved the outdoors and camping, and cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris Hencke.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Irene Hencke; his most grateful children, Ryan and Kristi Hencke, Kingwood TX, Chad and Beth Hencke, Baytown TX, Heidi and Bryan Duncan, Mont Belvieu TX, Hilde and Chris Baker, Baytown TX, Hannah and Joshua Sons, Kingwood TX.

Likewise, he is survived by his adoring grandkids, Kayla, Cody, Kolten, Hillary, Coby, Taryn, Karli, Kaymen, Hallie Mae, Colby, Kullan, Connor, and Cooper.

He is also survived by his sister, Patricia (Howard) Brockinton; brother, James (Robin) Hencke, sister, Sally Hencke; 15 wonderful nieces and nephews; and many in-laws, aunts/uncles, great nieces/nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends at Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home, 6123 Garth Road, Baytown, TX on Thursday, July 27th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The service will be held Friday, July 28th at 10:45 a.m. at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Houston, TX 77038. Bringing the message will be pastor, Br. Beau Rosser.

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