Henry Kudlac

Henry Willie Kudlac of Newalla passed away from this life on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the age of 86. Henry was born Aug. 20, 1936, the son of Otto Kudlac and Rose (Simunek) Kudlac. He attended school in Dover from kindergarten through 12th grade. After high school, Hank enlisted in the United States Army, spending 18 months in Germany. He then spent the next seven years in the United States Air Force, proudly and honorably serving his country.

After his time in the military, Hank went to work in the oil and gas industry.

On Dec. 17, 1957, Hank married the love of his life, Myrtle, in a beautiful ceremony in Hennessey.

Hank had a green thumb and kept beautiful gardens every year - you’d be hardpressed to find a weed anywhere in sight. He was also a talented and accomplished woodworker who could create pretty much anything out of wood.

All you had to do was show Hank a photo, and he could produce a wooden version, like magic. He absolutely loved working with wood, a hobby that brought him much joy throughout his life.

At 3 p.m. each day, you could usually find Hank parked in front of the TV, just in time for Jeopardy! He also loved watching Wheel of Fortune every evening, often solving the puzzles from home.

He looked forward to baseball season each year and always rooted for the Houston Astros.

Hank watched his favorite movie, Top Gun, countless times over the years and he loved listening to music, often humming along to his favorite Willie Nelson and Elvis songs.

Tidiness was a must for Hank and he was always cleaning, keeping his things tidy and organized and encouraging those around him to mirror his good habits.

Family was incredibly important to Hank and he treasured any time he spent with those he loved. He loved being at home with Myrtle and he always enjoyed hanging out and visiting with his sisters.

Hank positively impacted so many lives during his time on Earth and he will be very deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Linda Taylor, son Henry Kudlac Jr., and granddaughter Crystal Miller.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Myrtle Kudlac, of the home; two daughters, Alison Walker and husband David of Moore and Cynthia Griggs and husband Wade of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren, Laura Rousseau, Paul Walker, Sandi Simmons, Sara Taylor and Walter Griggs; and six great-grandchildren, Reagan Rousseau, Tess Rousseau, Canton Walker, Grady Walker, Timothy Foster and Jason Foster.

Hank is also survived by his three sisters, Rosie Moore, Janet Chlouber and Francis Royal.