HENRY C. LARUE

Henry C. LaRue, 99, of Mexia, passed away May 28, 2022, at his home.

Henry was born to Harry C. LaRue and Mamie Hall LaRue on July 25, 1922, in New Haven, Connecticut. He entered the army’s 12th armored division in 1942 and was stationed at Fort Knox, in Kentucky, Camp Stoneman in California, Camp Barkley in Abilene and the prisoner of war camp in Mexia.

While stationed at the prisoner of war camp, he met the love of his life, Vriginia Lee Chrisner and they were married on December 2, 1944. Henry and Vriginia moved to Rockville Center, New York after his discharge from the service in 1945 where he worked for the United States Postal Service. While in New York they welcomed a daughter, Virginia Elaine. In 1948, they returned to make Meixa their home. Henry worked for Barry Barnett for a short time until becoming employed by the Texas Highway Department where he remained for 26 ½ years until he retired. In 1953, they welcomed a son, Larry Charles. Henry also served a Commander of the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 40, foor over 16 years. Henry and Virghinia were longtime members of the Calvary Baptist Church. At the time of Virginia’s death in 2013 they had been married 68 years. Henry helped build the

Calvary Baptist Church and is the last one of the older men that built the church. Henry drove the first bus the church owned, which was a yellow school bus and went around and picked up the older church members who did not drive.

Henry was presented in death by his wife Virginia Lee Christner LaRue; son, Larry Charles LaRue; great-great grandsons Branson Ray Hardesty, Bryce Loy Hardesty, Bryn Orrey Hardesty; sister, Agnes Combs and husband Eugene; nephew, Robert Combs; parents, Harry and Mamie LaRue; sister-inlaw Mae Christner Gardner and husband Charlie; sister-in-law Ellen Chrisner New and husband Charlie; sister-in-law Tump Chrisner Asher and husband Cecil; brother-in-law Thomas Chrisner; brother-in-law Buster Chrisner and wife Velma; brother-in-law Carl Christner; brother-in-law Curtis Chrisner and wife Mary Helen; nephews Eddie, Alvie, Raymond, Alton and Kenny Chrisner; niece Charlene Gardner Patterson; great nieces Jackie Gordon and Nella Jean Patterson; great-great nephews Adam Gordob and Landon Rusnak; and great-great niece Brandie Patterson Martinez.

He is survived by his daughter, Virginia Elaine Schulte and husband, Bill; daughter-in-law, Cleshay Brown LaRue Allen and husband Jeff; grandchildren, William Schulte and wife, Judy; Belinda Thomas, Blaine Schulte and wife, Tammy; Bruce Schulte; Laramie LaRue and wife, Lauren; great grandchildren, Bryan Schulte; Jeffery Schulte; Brandie Hardesty and husband Dakota; Brittany Schulte and finance Sam Baez; Bethany Schulte and Jonathon Haddock; JayVecera; Remington LaRue; great granddaughter Amelia Jade Baez.

Nieces, Lavonza Barkouskie and husband David Beard, Linda Harper, Carolyn Doss and husband, Bill, Linda Chrisner, Christa Chrisner McCeig and husband Larry, Christine Combs Moore, Aniece Sepulveda and Martha Chrisner; nephews, Joseph Combs and wife, Florence, Jo Ed New and wife Linda Kay, Bobby New and wife Sue, James Edgar Chrisner and wife Sharon. Billy Jack Patterson and numerous extended family members and friends.

Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Jones Funeral Home, and 1 to 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church prior to service. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Pastor Shane Norcross and Brothers James Hooper officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers will be Brain Schulte, Jonathon Haddock, Sam Baez, David Beard and Michael Barkouskie. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Jack Patterson, John Tackers, Jess Whisler, Bill Groth and Ron Williams, Bobby New and wife Sue, James Edgar Chrisner and wife Sharon. Billy Jack Patterson and Larry McCeig.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Penny Liggins and the entire staff of Guardian Home Health for excellent care provided to Henry over the years.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Henry to the Disabled American Veterans Service Office at 701 Clay Avenue in Waco. Donations may also be made in honor of Henry to the Calvary Baptist Church 519 S.McKinney St.