Robert James Henze

Robert James Henze, 88, passed away July 21, 2021, surrounded by his children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, his parents, brother, and one grandchild.

Robert is survived by his children Michelle (Jeff), Jeanette (Joe), Michael, and his sister Jean.
He was the proud, loving grandfather of Joshua, Meredith, Hilary, Jessica, Emily, Justin, Hannah, Joel, Harrison, and Jordan, and the great grandfather of David, Zoey, Alexis, William, Henze, Greyson, Lucas, Lincoln, and Dale.

Robert was born in Kansas City in 1933 and lived in the area most of his life. He joined the US Navy and completed flight training in Pensacola, Florida. He deployed to the fleet as an airship commander and conducted training in maritime patrol. He later transitioned into multi-engine aircraft as airships were retired from the fleet. Upon completion of active duty he remained in the Naval Reserve and retired as a Lt. Commander.

He returned to Kansas City and attended Rockhurst College. While there he met a petite, College of St. Teresa (Avila), coed student on a blind date. Robert and Barbara were married a few months after their college commencements and started a family. Robert had a career with the Department of Labor and joined Barbara in the task of raising their three children in Independence.

He was an Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and served as a leader in BSA troop 178, at Nativity parish. He proudly assisted Michael and other scouts as they earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In later years, he beamed with pride as he watched three of his grandsons earn that rank.

Robert learned from his father how to build, rebuild, plumb, wire, spackle, tile, trim, paint and repair anything. But the lifelong love he inherited from his father was cars. He loved to look at cars, work on cars, watch tv shows about cars, and drive cars. It was a devastating blow when Parkinson’s deprived him of his love of driving.

After retirement Robert and Barbara traveled (by car), walked and had coffee with friends, volunteered in a soup kitchen, and was a member of the VFW Harry Truman Post. He quietly helped neighbors and friends with home repairs, car repairs, yard work, and transportation to doctor’s visits. He visited his aging father daily and took him on outings until his death in 2000.

Cats and dogs always brought a smile to his face and he constantly had at least one pet. Those pets were possibly the most spoiled pets in the KC area. He doted on the grandchildren and great grandchildren that came into his life and was the world’s best baby holder. All the grandchildren knew that Grandpa loved them and was a real teddy bear under that sometimes stern exterior. He had twinkling blue eyes and a dazzling smile when he turned it on.

His children received unconditional love from him. They always knew that their father would do anything in his power to help them when they needed it and he beamed with pride at their every accomplishment.
He was a devoted husband to Barbara and felt that his mission in life was to take care of her. He faithfully and solicitously cared for her over the 40 years she suffered from RA. He couldn’t comprehend that she was gone after her death in May. He always stated that he only wanted to live one day longer than her. He missed that mark – but not by much.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 28, from 10-11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Mark Catholic Church, 3736 S Lee's Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055.

In Robert’s honor, the family has suggested contributions to be made to Great Plains SPCA, 5424 Antioch Dr., Merriam, KS 66202 or to Veterans Community Project, 8900 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64131.

He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Mausoleum in Raytown, MO. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900).