William L. Henkel Jr., 94, of Cuba, passed away on, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the comfort of his home.

On July 1, 1931, William was born to the union of William L. Henkel Sr. & Letha (Mason) in Pevely, Missouri.

After William graduated high school, he enlisted in the United States Airforce. While enlisted, William met and married the love of his life, Joyce (Major) Henkel on July 5, 1953, who preceded him in death on January 9, 2018, after 64 years of marriage.

After being honorably discharged from the air force, William worked a few odd jobs until landing a permanent position building towboats and barges with St. Louis Ship Company for 11 years. Following the closure of St. Louis Ship, William found work as a machinist with the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Missouri also for 11 years. After retirement, William occupied his time as a school bus driver for Crawford County R-2 for 12 years. In his younger years, William had also served as a volunteer firefighter in Festus.

Back in the day, William may have been known by his C.B handles "Tornado" of "Wild Bill", William enjoyed contacting with others around the country that he could reach on his trusty C.B. William also enjoyed building model trains and when he had the space, he loved to showcase them. He was a talented musician, as a bass player in a gospel music band along with wife as a guitar player and 5 other members, they would travel around to different church's, nursing homes and on Saturday night live music events at the senior center. William and Joyce, in their retirement, loved hitting the road in their RV hauling a Chevette, going coast to coast, sometimes being gone for a whole month. They enjoyed camping at different state parks, especially, Washington State Park. Navigating a large RV hauling a Chevette took a lot of talent and patience but occasionally it proved difficult when they had traffic stopped on a major highway in Metropolitan New York trying to catch their exit. Most of all, William adored his family and creating many lasting moments with all who were lucky enough to have met him. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William (Letha) Henkel Sr and his wife of 64 years, Joyce Henkel.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Sandra (Myron) Soppeland; two grandchildren, Christopher (Andrea) Soppeland of Cuba & James (Tracy) Soppeland of Cuba; great-grandchildren, Makayla Soppeland of Rolla, Tanya Soppeland of St. James, William Soppeland of Hawaii, Jonathan Soppeland of Cuba, Logan Soppeland of Cuba, Charles Soppeland of Cuba & Carlisle Soppeland of Cuba; great-great-grandchild, Spencer Soppeland of St. James; other relatives and many friends. 

 Visitation for William will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri. A Funeral service will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. also at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Doug Windel as celebrant clergy. Burial with military honors will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, 642 Riverview Drive in Pevely, Missouri at 1:00 P.M.