Ronald Edward Henges

HENGES, RONALD EDWARD, January 30, 2021, of St. Louis and Naples, FL, was born in St. Louis in 1932 to the late J. Gordon and Vera M. Henges. Beloved husband of 66 years to Anne S. Henges, dearest father to Michael E. (Judy) Henges, Carolyn H. (Bob) Guest and the late Lawrence N. (Vanessa) Henges. Adored "Papa" to his grandchildren Christopher and Courtney Henges, Brad (Alexandra) Guest and Sarah (Naji) Bsisu, Jessica (Brent) Fierro and Neil Henges and five great-grandchildren. Ron graduated from Country Day School and Vanderbilt University where he met Anne. They married just before Ron entered the U.S. Army. After his tour, Ron and Anne returned to St. Louis where Ron joined his family's manufacturing business, before shortly starting his own manufacturing business. He then sold to Keene Corporation before buying it back and forming Henges Manufacturing and Henges Associates. After Ron and Anne returned to St. Louis, he served as Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department of Creve Coeur which sparked a lifelong love of fire engines and as a result, he was very involved in the Fire Department of St. Louis and published the Fire Apparatus Journal. In addition to serving on many Boards throughout the years, he was a co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Enterprise Bank and Trust and the founder of Creve Coeur Camera. He gave his time and efforts generously to many causes and he served as Chairman of the Veiled Prophet Fair for three years, and Chairman of the Board of Maryville University. He was an early supporter and board member with the likes of Elon Musk and Larry Page, of The X Prize which promoted competitions to create breakthroughs in the space industry. The causes that he was involved in and the boards on which he served are too numerous to mention. He had a deep love for his city and country. He was an exceptional carpenter and Master Woodworker and he loved sharing the craft with his children and grandchildren and friends. Many friends benefitted from his skills as he was known as "Mr. Fix It". He was a collector of fire engines and fine autos, having bought his first Ford Model T at the age of 17. He was a generous philanthropist to many causes that he and Anne were passionate about. He was a mentor to many. He dearly loved his trips to London in the fall to attend "Last Night of the Proms" and his hikes in the woods with his grandchildren and his wonder dog, Millie. He and Anne loved spending time in Naples, FL where they have spent time for more than 35 years with family and friends. They had a great love for traveling and enjoyed taking extensive trips with his family and grandchildren all over the world. There was not anything he would not do for his "Lucky Six" including sleepovers at Papa's, midnight milkshakes and candy runs in his 1949 hook and ladder fire engine. He was a pilot, an inventor, he built his own sailboat while in the Army and he was a scuba diver after having developed an interest while in the service and having built his own diving gear from airplane parts. His legacy will be the love, support, and interest he and Anne gave to their children and grandchildren. They were the single most important factor in his life. In short, his was a life well lived and he will be greatly missed by all. The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Jacobson, the wonderful staff at the Gatesworth, and BJC Hospice for their care over the last few months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Foundation, 1950 Craig Rd., St Louis, MO 63146 or a charity of one's choice. ******************************************************************************************************** A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Monday, August 9 from 4-7 pm at The Bogey Club.

Ronald Edward Henges

October 13, 1932 - January 30, 2021