Elmer N. Henning, age 93, passed away on the 5th of July, 2022, in Wichita, Kansas, after entering hospice care.
Born in Kingman, Kansas to John J. Henning and Mary E. Bohrer Henning of Kingman, Kansas, he was the fifth in line of twelve children. In his early years he did his part on the family farm, and later worked for neighboring farms and businesses to help support the family after his father’s untimely passing in 1941.
Elmer took on his military duty by joining the U.S. Navy Reserves. Before heading to his first active-duty assignment, he married his sweetheart Doneta J. Fulton on November 24, 1951, in Kingman. He eventually was stationed at US NAAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida, where his first child was born. While stationed there, he found time to perfect his ability to fish the saltier waters.
Upon completing his tour, Elmer’s family settled in Kingman, where two more children arrived. Taking advantage of VA benefits, he continued his education and earned his Radio and Television Operation and Maintenance certification. After landing a job at Boeing Aircraft Company, he relocated his growing family to the Wichita area, where they were blessed with three more children. Elmer took his responsibilities serious. As family needs increased and making ends meet a struggle, he took on other income streams including working weekends for a radio and TV repair shop, teaching at Wichita Technical Institute a couple nights a week, and selling Amway products. In January 1965, the lay-offs caught up to him at Boeing and he had to work even harder.
Presented with an opportunity Spring of 1965, Elmer became part of an automotive repair business located in South Wichita -- H & H Motor Company; and one more child rounded out his family of nine. It was not unusual for him to work 12-15 hours a day grooming the fledgling business; it grew and continues to operate with his sons Ed and Joe (and occasionally David) turning the wrenches. His five sons each have taken their turn to learn his craft, and three make it their career today. Although in his 90’s, he was in that shop nearly every day talking with customers and guiding his sons in the ways of the business.
Elmer found time to “play” a bit with the business by sponsoring owner/driver of stock race car #169. Exploring a creative interest in woodworking, he started a hobby business making pens and desk items, clocks, turned bowls, trinket boxes, etc. He further honed his skill to create replicas of trucks and heavy equipment, finishing the last rig a couple years ago while in his 90s.
As he settled into the role of sole proprietor and the family grew up, Elmer was able to take some time to pursue his love of fishing, and perfect his talent to find and catch crappie. Over the decades he shared his plentiful catches with others; many still requesting a fish-fry event.
Preceded in death by his devoted wife of 53+ years, Doneta, his parents, John and Mary Henning, and siblings Evelyn K. Henning Denison, Mary Ann Henning Mies, William M. (Bill) Henning, Ralph B. Henning, Emily A. Henning Kathman Ward, Victoria (Vickie) Henning Weber Martin, Donald P. Henning, Herman J. Henning, Charles V. Henning, and Marvin W. Henning.
Survived by daughters Donna Davis of Augusta KS, and Lori Igo of Wichita KS; sons Allan Henning of Sarasota FL, David Henning of Wichita KS, Joseph Henning of Wichita KS, Terry Henning of Independence KS, Edward Henning of Derby KS; sister Joyce J. Beasley of Bon Aqua TN; plus, fifteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Rosary followed by the Funeral Mass will begin 9:30 am Saturday, July 16, 2022, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2801 S Seneca, Wichita KS 67010. Services will also be live-streamed: www.stannewichita.org
Graveside services will be 12:30 pm at Walnut Hill Cemetery, 900 N. Marquette, Kingman KS.
In lieu of flowers, please designate in his memory to: Saint Anne Catholic Church, Wichita KS, Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Kingman KS, or American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/).
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com