Henry Hawthorne Harrison Jr.

July 7, 1932 – January 22, 2017

Henry Hawthorne Harrison, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 22, 2017. He was born in Austin, Texas on July 7, 1932 to Henrietta Bogert Winslow and Henry Hawthorne Harrison and grew up in the Texas Hill Country. Hank, as he was known among his family, had many fond childhood memories of summer adventures with cousins under the watchful eye of his grandmother at the family’s 100-yr old ranch outside Menard, two hours from Austin. He attended Austin High School and joined the United States Marines Corps the fall of 1949. Henry served his country for “3 years, 3 months, 27 days” including in the 1950 Chosin Reservoir Campaign in Korea. After his service, Henry returned to Texas, married Patricia Schuessler, and together they had three sons. They lived in Mason and Odessa while Henry worked as an oilfield roughneck. In 1969, the family moved to Spring Branch and soon after, Henry started Harrison & Sons Carpet Service, which he ran for over 25 years. He met Marian Powell Harrison, they married in 1993 and their adventures – both near and far – began. Being grandparents together to both his and Marian’s grandchildren was a role he cherished for the last two decades.

Embodying the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis,” Henry was “Always Faithful” in his dedication to wife, family, customer, and country. He is remembered fondly for his love of fishing, infectious smile, calm nature, and witty sense of humor. Devoted listener, Henry always made you feel like the most important person of the moment.

Henry is survived by his wife, Marian; his three sons: Henry Harrison III and wife Cindy, Howard Harrison and wife Ashley, and Harold (Hal) Harrison and wife Pamela; his siblings: brother Jack Harrison and wife Patty, sister Edith Harrison Nasr and husband Sam, and sister-in-law Ann Marie Harrison; “godson” Edward Hankey; his stepchildren: Tom Osborne and wife Michelle and Katherine Osborne Valdez and husband Pablo; his grandchildren: Greg, Will, and Ally; Marian’s grandchildren: Anna and Olivia; their step-grandchildren: Amanda, Krystal, Sydnie, and Addie, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Margarita Perla, Stephen Obinna, Lee Jack, and A-Med Hospice for their gracious help and care. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill Harrison.

A memorial service was held in Houston in the Chapel at St. John The Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, 77019 on Friday, February 3 at 11:00 am with The Rev. Dr. Clay Lein officiating. A graveside service was held at 11:00 am in Ft. McKavett, Texas on Saturday, February 4.

For those wishing, memorial gifts may be directed to Houston Area Parkinson Society or the charity of their choice