Henry Hierholzer

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Henry John Hierholzer, 88, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away at 5:17 PM on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, after several months of declining health. Henry was born on July 28, 1935, in Monett, Missouri, the only child of Peter John Hierholzer and Nancy Arizona ‘Zona’ Bodenhamer. Raised in Aurora, Missouri, on the family generational farm, Henry attended school there and graduated from Aurora High School in 1953.

Following graduation, Henry began working for the Gas Service Company in Aurora. In 1961, he was transferred to the Neosho office, where he continued his career with Missouri Gas and Energy and MGE, which later became Spire. Henry, along with Bob Rader and Carl Smithson, formed the Cactus Cattle Company and successfully ran a cattle ranch together for several years.

 

Henry had a deep love for cattle, cherished his friendships, and appreciated the simple pleasures of life. He was known for handing out butterscotch and root beer hard candies to everyone he met. Many knew him as "Red Tag Henry," and he was often seen driving his old blue Ford truck around Neosho with his loyal dog, King, by his side.

A lifelong Catholic, Henry was deep rooted to his faith, and it never wavered, he was a member of St. Canera Catholic Church in Neosho. He married Linda (Hemphill) Hulsey on June 3, 1989, and she survives him. Other survivors include his son Dan and wife Tina Hierholzer of Neosho, Missouri; two stepsons, Thad Hulsey of Neosho, Missouri, and Wade Hulsey and wife Tammy of Lowell, Arkansas. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Sarah Hierholzer-Daspit and husband Matt of Springdale, Arkansas, and Blake Hierholzer of Neosho, Missouri; three great-grandsons, Lance, Grayson, and Jackson Daspit three step-grandchildren, Brook (Jared) Brown, Kylee (Tate) Smith of Wyandotte, Oklahoma, and Max Hulsey of Great Lakes Navel Academy; and four step-great-granddaughters, Atley Smith, Madelyn Brown, Jolie Smith and Camryn Brown.

Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, at St. Canera Catholic Church in Neosho, Missouri, officiated by Rev. Charles Dunn. Burial will follow at the Neosho I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri. A Rosary will be recited at the Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri, at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, with the family receiving friends from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. following the Rosary.

Contributions in memory of Henry may be made to St. Canera Catholic Church, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, Missouri, 64850.

Henry will be remembered for his kind heart, his devotion to his faith and family, and his enduring presence in the Neosho community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.