James Clarence Hentschel

James Clarence Hentschel, 78, of La Grange, died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin. James was born in La Grange on Aug. 1, 1938, the son of John and Julia (Trlicek) Hentschel. He was a truck driver for Hentschel Trucking for five years and work for Hohl Motor Company in Tomball for many years before he joined Ryder Trucks in the parts and service department for 21 years. James was an avid Tomball football fan and held season tickets virtually all of his life. He loved going fishing with his family. James was a person that never met a stranger and was always willing to tell a good joke. He is survived by two sons: James “Smokey” Hentschel and wife, Cassie, of West Point; Billy Ray Hentschel and wife, Cheryl, of Magnolia; four brothers: Jerry Hentschel of Beaumont; Eddie Hentschel of Temple; Les Hentschel of Plum; and Franklin Hentschel of Conroe; two sisters: Ruby Fehrle of La Grange and Mary Ann Schmitt and husband, J.W., of Bellville; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cherie Lynn Hentschel; son, Larry Wayne Hentschel; two brothers, John Hentschel, Jr. and Ernest Stiriz; and numerous brothersin- law and sisters-in-law. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A prayer service followed at 7 p.m. Funeral Services were held at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Burial followed at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, Central Texas Office, 9430 Research Blvd., Bldg. 2-#150, Austin, Texas 78759 (www.diabetes.org); or American Heart Association, South Central Affiliate, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, Texas 75284-1125. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.