William Henry Honeck Sr.

February 15, 1944 – April 19, 2020

A man of God who loved the Lord and people with his whole heart.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

William "Bill" Henry Honeck Sr., son of Melvin George and Vivian Marie Honeck was born on February 15, 1944, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended North Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he graduated from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, in 1969.

He was united in holy matrimony to Peggy Ann Paulsen on September 2, 1967, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Helena, Montana. They recently celebrated fifty-two years of marriage.  Their union was blessed with five children and eighteen grandchildren.

Bill was loved and known for his fun-loving spirit, his witty personality, his ability to see the good in everyone, his selfless outlook on life and his devotion to family and friends. He never met a stranger and left a lasting impression on whomever crossed his path. As a young man in college, he was voted as the student body president four years in a row and also served as the "campus cop." His nickname in college was "The Fox" because he was so quick on the basketball court and sneaky with the "fade away" shot. Peggy, even though at the time they were not married, was called the "Fox's Wife." He also played college football as a defensive nose guard.

Professionally, Bill was a schoolteacher in public and private schools in Montana, Indiana, Georgia, Beaumont and the Houston area for over 50 years and a coach for over 55 years.  He coached several sports, but basketball was his passion. He was highly involved in starting Concordia Lutheran High school in Tomball, Texas, in 1984 as the Athletic Director and girls' head basketball coach. Two years later KPRC Channel 13 attended one of his basketball games to do a news segment because his girls' basketball team had won 99 games straight games. He left a positive, lasting impact on his colleagues, students, players and their families wherever he went.

All five of Bill's children and several of his grandchildren had their dad/grandfather as a coach at some point in their lives. Even though most of their games coached by their father ended in wins, all five children will testify that their dad taught them how to always give their best, never give up, and when the game is over, it's over. Hold your head up high and be proud, whether you win or lose, and we can't forget, 'if you're hurt, walk it off'. Each of Bill's children have taken the lessons their dad taught them on the court and applied them to their life, either professionally or in parenting/coaching their own children. Yes, all five children are, or have been, basketball coaches. In fact, Bill has been his youngest son's assistant coach for the last 9 years at Salem Lutheran School in Tomball lovingly known as "Pops". Together they led the boys' varsity basketball team to seven state championships and nine trips to Valparaiso, Indiana for the Lutheran School's National Basketball Tournament placing second in 2017.

As much as Bill loved people, coaching, teaching, and basketball, there is no doubt that his family was the love of his life. His devotion to his loving wife was a testimony for all to witness. Bill told her that she was beautiful and that he loved her every day. Being together was their favorite hobby, as they were inseparable, attending any and every activity their children or grandchildren participated in. Every one of his five children and eighteen grandchildren knew that they could rely on Daddy/Papa to be there for them. His legacy will live on forever as being the sweetest, most loving, grace-filled, and respected man they have ever known.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife, Peggy, their five children and their spouses: Billy and his wife Jennifer; Becky Ward; Betsy and her husband David Borne; Bobby and his wife Jennifer; and Bucky and his wife Laura. Also, his memory lives on in his eighteen grandchildren: Billy Trey (24); Brooke (22); Caleb (20); Bryce (20); Kaden (17); Gavin (15); Landon (14); Adalynn (13); Carston (12); Kayliann (12); Zander (11); Cole (10); Keegan (10); Irelynn (7); Cora (6); Breanna (5); Elliana (4); and Arianna (2).

Bill's family would like to recognize those who have reciprocated the kind of love that Bill shared throughout his lifetime. The kind words, thoughts, deeds and prayers have been and will continue to be appreciated. The family thanks you from the bottom of their heart.