William L. Henkel Jr. of Cuba, Missouri was born on July 1, 1931 in Pevely, Missouri to William L. Henkel Sr. and Letha (Mason) Henkel and passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the age of 94 years.
After William graduated high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.
On July 5, 1953 he married Joyce (Major) Henkel.
After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he worked a few odd jobs until landing a permanent position building towboats and barges with St. Louis Ship Company for 11 years. Following the closure of St. Louis Ship, William found work as a machinist with the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Missouri also for 11 years.
After retirement, he occupied his time as a school bus driver for Crawford County R-2 for 12 years. In his younger years, he had also served as a volunteer firefighter in Festus.
Back in the day, known by his C.B handles "Tornado" or "Wild Bill," he enjoyed communicating with others around the country that he could reach on his trusty C.B. He also enjoyed building model trains and when he had the space, he loved to showcase them.
He was a talented musician. As a bass player in a gospel music band along with wife and five other members, they would travel around to different churches, nursing homes and on Saturday nights attend live music events at the senior center.
In their retirement, they loved hitting the road in their RV hauling a Chevette, going coast to coast, sometimes being gone for a whole month. They enjoyed camping at different state parks, especially, Washington State Park.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William (Letha) Henkel Sr.; and his wife of 64 years, Joyce Henkel.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Myron) Soppeland of Cuba, Missouri; two grandchildren, Christopher (Andrea) Soppeland of Cuba, Missouri and James (Tracy) Soppeland of Cuba, Missouri; great grandchildren, Makayla Soppeland of Rolla, Missouri, Tanya Soppeland of St. James, Missouri, William Soppeland of Hawaii, Jonathan Soppeland of Cuba, Missouri, Logan Soppeland of Cuba, Missouri, Charles Soppeland of Cuba, Missouri and Carlisle Soppeland of Cuba, Missouri; great greatgrandchild, Spencer Soppeland of St. James, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Doug Windle as celebrant clergy.
Burial at 1 p.m. with military honors at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Pevely, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri.
