Robert N. “Sonny” Henkel, 88, died in his Gas City home at 3 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2017. He was born on July 29, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Hilliard and Rosella (Reiland) Henkel. Sonny married Delores Jean Robinson on October 20, 1993, and she preceded him in death on March 31, 2013.
On November 18, 1948, Sonny enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He received the Navy Occupation Service Medal and was honorably discharged on July 31, 1952. Following his military service, Sonny worked for 30 years as a tool maker at General Motors in Marion. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, and AMVETS.
Sonny was best known for being a jokester and pulling pranks on people. He also enjoyed making wooden crafts.
He will be missed by his sons, Darrell Henkel, Van Buren, and Jeff Henkel, Gas City; daughter, Tina (Paul) Eyer, Marion; step-children, Belinda (Joe) Kirkendall, Marion, Misty (Harry) Grose, Gas City, and David (Stacy) Dunning, Gas City; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his step-son, Robert Goodwin, and two sisters, Margaret Line and Betty Nicholson.
Committal services for Sonny will be held at Marion National Cemetery at a later date to be announced.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.