Melvin Arthur Hennings

Shortly after going to bed on December 26th, 2016, Melvin Hennings passed away in his sleep. He was living with his beloved wife, daughter and son-in-law at the time of his passing. Mel was 84 years old. His funeral will be held on January 11th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church :1201 Alma Drive Plano, TX 75075. Reception to follow in the McGivney Hall located in the Parish Center on the northwest corner of 15th and Alma. In lieu of flowers we suggest donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church Mass Intentions or to a Veterans organization of your choice in memory of Melvin Hennings. Melvin was born on the family farm in Jamestown, ND on May 13th, 1932. He was born to Edward and Anne Hennings and was one of 13 children. He was the Father of 4 children, 11 Grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Melvin was always a hard worker. He started working at a young age to help out on the family farm. He also worked on a neighbor’s farm and at the age of 16 he started working at a garage as a parts runner and cleaner. He started rebuilding engines, generators and didn’t stop working on some type of engine until shortly before his death, including completely redoing a 1949 Ford Truck. As he used to say, he was a jack of all trades and master of none. He completed his elementary school years through the 8th grade and received his diploma from the Stutsman County Superintendent of schools on June 18th, 1946. He later received his GED. He was drafted into the Army in November 1952 and was discharged in November 1954. He was out of the Army for a short time and re-joined the Army in June 1955. While starting out as an enlisted man, he was encouraged to go to school to become a Warrant Officer. During his time in the Army he spent many years in the southern states as well as a tour to Korea, two tours to Vietnam, two tours to Germany, one with his family and one without. He had many jobs during his military career including truck driver, welder, mechanic, instructor, Service Section and Recovery Warrant and Maintenance and Shop Officer. After his 20 year military career, he started a cabinet shop and then worked for car dealerships as body shop manager. Mel and his beautiful bride Frances built the home of their dreams after he retired. His love of wood could be seen in the craftsmanship of their home. He also built clocks, chopping blocks and other furniture for his family and close friends. Melvin enjoyed country music, swimming and playing in the water with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed animals as he had horses, cows, goats and chickens and many of his best friends were his dogs. He loved his wife Frances and would often be seen holding her hand. Next to her he loved his family. He was proud of his children and was so proud to have grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom held a very special place in his heart. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Anne Hennings, brothers Harold, Dorman, Milferd, Kenneth, Keith, Paul and Percy, sisters Eileen Mueller and Ardelle Rosenau. Melvin is survived by his Wife Frances, sister Rosanne Farrell, brothers Lee and Larry, children Michael (Trudy) Hennings, Debora (Paul) Johnson, Barbara (David) Easley and Bruce Hennings, grandchildren Jason (Heather) Hennings, Mark (Tiana) Hennings, Britt (Hayley) Hennings, Erik Johnson, Forrest Johnson, Grant (Callie) Johnson, Shawn Easley, Weldon (Jamie) Easley, Tiffany (Zach) Peters, Cody Hennings and Adrienne Hennings, and 6 wonderful great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and dear friends.