Morgan Henika Jr.'s Obituary
On November 12th, 2017, Veterans' weekend, Morgan Henika, a veteran himself at age
90, joined Smiley, his wife of near 60 years, as he returned to his heavenly home. His
devotion to his family and firm belief in God supported him in his last days and
ultimately gave him peace. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family in his Tucson
home.
Morgan was born in Lakewood, Cuyahoga Co, Ohio to the late Morgan Lucius Henika
and Elizabeth Martin. A Materials Engineering graduate of Purdue University where he
met Smiley, his participation in the Boilermaker ROTC program carried him into
Lieutenant commander service in the U.S. Navy Ship Repair Unit, Astoria,
Oregon. When he transitioned to civilian life he spent 30 plus years with Union Carbide
which gave him the career he needed to be a husband and father of three. An avid
reader, New York Times crossword puzzle wizard, and rock hound, he loved spending
his summers in Maine at the family camp on Parker Pond.
Morgan was blessed with a large and loving family. He is survived by his brother John
Henika of Wheaton, Maryland; daughter Nancy Henika (Blake) of Waterford, CA., her
three children and seven grandchildren; Jim Henika of Chandler, AZ , his three children
and soon to be five grandchildren; and Tom Henika of Vista, CA with his four children
and one grandchild. Morg was preceded in death by his sister Margaret C. Klein who
died in 2006 in Winter Haven, Florida. This brother, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather
will be enormously missed.
A gravesite memorial services will take place on December 14th which would have
been Morg's 91st birthday. This will be followed by a celebration honoring his life to be
held at Northwest Bible Church, 889 W. Chapala, Tucson, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation be made to your favorite charity in
Morgan's honor as this is where his heart was, especially during the holiday season. If
you would like a suggestion Morgan was fond of World Vision and The Casa de la Luz
Hospice organization was instrumental in leading Morgan to his peaceful rest.
What’s your fondest memory of Morgan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Morgan?
Share a story where Morgan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Morgan you’ll never forget.
How did Morgan make you smile?