Albert Henke

Albert C. Henke, 88, of Overland Park (formerly of Shawnee), completed his "final mission" on March 19, 2009. Albert was born on July 1, 1920 in Brunswick, Missouri.

Mr. Henke is survived by Mary (Haas) Henke, his wife of 61 years, and his son, Don (Kim) Henke, and daughters, Nancy Henke-Konopasek, Marsha (Pete) Cahill, and Sharon (Paul) Cahill. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Julia Konopasek, Patrick Cahill, Kristi Cahill, Michael Konopasek, and Wade Henke. He also leaves his sister, Bonnie Brown, sister-in-law, Betty Henke, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Ernest Henke, and brother, Harold Henke.

Albert proudly served during World War II as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress in the Army Air Force 99th Bomb Group of the 15th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater, flying missions out of North Africa and Italy from 1942-1945. During the War, Mr. Henke kept a diary of his 50 missions and wrote a book, Adventures Under Fire, which was published in 2007. He was employed at Western Auto Supply Company for a total of 60 years.

Visitation and Funeral Services

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, with the rosary being recited at 4:00 followed by eulogies. A funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee on Monday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Salvation Army or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee.