Denton F. Henrich, 80, of Moss Bluff, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in the comfort of his home on the river surrounded by family.
Denton was born July 29, 1942, in DeRidder, La., to Adolph and Vera Wilson Henrich. Denton grew up in Maplewood, La., along with his sister and two brothers whom were raised by their single mother. Learning self-sacrifice and perseverance from his mother, he excelled in academics. As a 1960 graduate of Sulphur High School, Denton was awarded a four-year basketball scholarship to McNeese State University. Excelling in math, Denton first obtained a Bachelor of Science from McNeese and continuing on at Louisiana State University, he obtained his Master’s in 1971. By 1974 he had completed his Master’s + 30 with a Certification in Administration. Beginning his career at DeQuincy High School as a coach and mathematics teacher, Denton went on to become an Assistant Principal at Maplewood Middle School and then Barbe High School. Denton completed the last nine of his thirty year educational career as the Principal of Barbe High School. Coach took pride in empowering students with his teaching and guidance in hopes that he would make enough difference to better their future. He extended his teaching through prison ministries to students of the C. Paul Phelps Correctional Center in DeQuincy and Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. As a man of faith, he enjoyed attending church at First Baptist Moss Bluff and his men’s Bible study group where he cultivated friendships and met many of his fishing buddies. He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren, often found in the rivers and marshes of Louisiana enjoying his favorite pastime, fishing. Denton and Ray had the privilege of building their dream home on the river. He enjoyed drinking coffee on the deck while watching wildlife with family and friends. He will be remembered for his love of family, supporting his children and following his grandchildren’s functions and sporting events. His stepson, Brett, would most like to recognize him for his unwavering dedication to his sister and mother, Ray during her seventeen year battle with emphysema.
He leaves to honor his memory, three sons, Derek Henrich (Bridget) of Welsh, La., Matthew Henrich (Cassie) of Sunset, La., and Chris Henrich (Wendy) of Houston, Texas; stepson, Brett Feldes (Stacy) of Lake Charles, La.; 11 grandchildren, Dylan, Sam, Sillas, Magnolia, Gaston, Ulysses, Denton, Marigold, Camillia; step-grandchildren, Aubrey and Camden Feldes; sister-in-law, Beverly Henrich of Woodstock, Ga.; nephews and nieces, Keith Henrich and Cynthia Henrich, both of Woodstock, Ga., Craig Henrich of Omaha, Texas, and Dennis Henrich of Bandera, Texas, Ron Fox (Susie) of Quitman, Texas, Jimmy Fox of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Ardis Rider (Jim) of Sanger, Texas; mother of his children and friend, Sophie Diokas McCalla of Sulphur; and dear friend, Julie Brown Wilkins of Lake Charles.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ray Houston Henrich; stepdaughter, Ashely Erin Feldes; parents; two brothers, Fred and Grady Henrich; and sister, Dorothy Henrich Fox Williams.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. The Rev. Steve Bennett will officiate. Interment services will follow at Prien Memorial Park. Visitation Thursday will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation Friday will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Second Wind St. Louis Lung Transplant Association, 211 Truman St. Bethalto, IL 62010 or a charity of your choice.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuenralhome.net.