Leon Duane Henke was born 4/12/1966 to Virgil and Judy Henke. He was born in Nuremberg Germany where his father was serving in the U.S. Army. He was one in a long line of family military service members with grandfather and eight uncles during WWII, father during Vietnam, he and his sister Dawn during The Gulf War and both sons served during OIF/OEF. He attended school in Bishop Ca, Anchorage, Sitka and Juneau Ak, graduating from Sticka High School in 1984. In 1986 he married Rose Woolworth in Everett Washington and raised three children.
In 1995 Leon was in a major motorcycle accident which led to a long recovery and the loss of use of his left arm. After his medical retirement from the army Leon went on to complete a degree in drafting and architecture. Leon didn’t let his disability hold him back, he still worked hard, whether it was hanging sheetrock, building ranch buildings/homes/furniture/tables or helping friends move. Leon’s real passion was pool, in his 30 year pool career he won 29 championships. In 2023 at his first national tournament, Leon and his team took 3rd in BCA world 8 ball team bronze division in Las Vegas. Some good players couldn’t believe they were beat by a one armed pool player.
Leon touched so many people and spent his life helping everyone he met. Everyone loved him dearly and saw how he affected people in such a strong way. After his death he is still helping others by donating his corneas to help someone else see. Through 7 or 8 courses of chemo he said it would surely help others even if it didn’t save him. He impressed his cancer doctors with all the chemo he was able to absorb.
Leon is survived by: Parents-Virgil and Judy Henke,Wife- Cierra Winkler, Sister- Dawn Attwood(David Attwood), Children-Brandon Henke(Danyel Henke), Stevn Henke(Jasmine Henke), Laytecia Houston(Sam Houston), and 8 Grandchildren.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 26, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday January 26, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Gail & Lorrie Vennes says
Virgil and Judy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for the passing of Leon.
May God’s peace be with you.
Beth Jayne Henke Wilkinson says
Virg, Judy and Family – I’ve been reminiscing so much over the last few days since I was notified of “little” Leon’s death. I tried to contact him through Facebook last year, but he never responded. Thinking of you all today and always! Much love! – Beth Jayne Henke Wilkinson
Dan McGurran says
What a great guy! I only knew Leon through pool but we developed a great comradery over the years. Always looked forward to playing him and learned a lot by watching him. What a competitor…win or lose. Rest in peace buddy. We’ll play again someday.
Carla Stewart says
Brandon and Stevn, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close to your heart ❤️.