Hal R. Henricks, 82, died Friday morning at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne with his wife and family by his side. He was born on November 26, 1930 in Fulton County, Ohio to Chauncey F. and Ora (Whitaker) Henricks.
As a child, Hal worked on his family farm outside of Bryan, Ohio. He graduated from Bryan High School in 1948. Two years later, on September 3, 1950, he married the love of his life, Myrtle Nofzinger. While starting a family, Hal worked various jobs before he and Myrtle moved to Montpelier and established their own farm in 1958. Hal, known throughout his life as a hard worker and skilled businessman, was always looking for new challenges and opportunities. He wore many hats during his long career, including farmer, cattleman, entrepreneur, industrialist, and real estate developer. In 1968, he was instrumental in starting the Williams County Landfill, which he owned and operated for over twenty years.
He was also active as an owner of HRH Industries, Northwest Recycling, Ramada Inn and Conference Center, Tri-Area Cattle, as well as other local businesses. Hal was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and conservationist. In his free time, he enjoyed raising ducks and geese, working on his property, and hunting with family and friends. His passion for hunting led to a lifelong support of wildlife habitat conservation, including Pheasants Forever and the National Wild Turkey Federation. In 1995, Hal was honored as Conservationist of the Year by the local chapter of Pheasants Forever.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Myrtle L. (Nofzinger) Henricks. He is also survived by their three children, Michael H. Henricks of Kunkle, Debra Rose of Montpelier, and Lana Hulbert and her husband Steve of Montpelier; nine loving grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Marion Bernard (Hank) Henricks of Bellevue and Terry Henricks and his wife Pat of Montpelier; as well as numerous extended family members. Hal was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bruce and Paul Henricks; as well as his son-in-law Bob Rose. He will be sorely missed by all, including his friends at the “Breakfast Club”.
Visitation hours for Hal will be on Tuesday, January 29 from 2-8 pm at the Thompson Funeral Home in Montpelier. Services will be on Wednesday, January 30 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Montpelier with Reverend Robert Damschroder officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in Shiffler Cemetery, Pulaski, Ohio. Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Williams County 4-H, or the Williams County Chapter of Pheasants Forever. Condolences may be sent online to www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com
