Jerry Hentschel, 84, of Beaumont, died Sunday, May 21, 2017. He was born on May 28, 1932, in LaGrange, to Julie and Johnny Hentschel. Later years, the family moved to Tomball where he graduated from Tomball High School in 1951. He then attended Allen Military Academy on a football scholarship. He transferred from Allen to Sam Houston University in 1953 on a football scholarship, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He was selected all-conference and was drafted by the Chicago Bears, although he did not make the squad. After his graduation from Sam Houston University, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his basic training at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Following basic training, he was assigned to Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was trained as a neuro-psychiatric technician. While in the service, he was chosen as Soldier of the Month and received a letter of commendation from his commanding office for outstanding services. Following his discharge from the service in 1958, he signed a contract with the South Park ISD which was the beginning of his coaching career. After his first year of coaching, he returned to Sam Houston University and received his Masters degree.
His life changed in 1961, when he met a young teacher at MacArthur Junior High School, Ann Manry, who became his wife for forty-seven wonderful years. In 1964, they welcomed their daughter, Rhonda.
Coach Hentschel was the football coach with South Park High School for twenty-nine years, and coached baseball for two years. He then coached at West Brook High School for twelve years.
He was quite the accomplished man; Coach Hentschel was named South Park Football Coach of the Year three years in a row; West Brook Football Coach of the Year for three years in a row; had West Brook two years 10-0 record back to back; and West Brook twelve years- nine times in State playoffs. Coach Hentschel was inducted into Sam Houston State University Bearkat Hall of Honor in 2000; served as Optimist LT Governor Southeast Texas District from 1998-1990; and served as President of the Optimist Club of Greater Beaumont for two years; served as President for South Park Forest Park Lions Club. Coach Hentschel was a Sponsor for HI-Y Group in the South Park area for six years; Sponsor 7 for Explorer Post 14 for seven years; he was Treasurer for St. John Lutheran Church for seven years; he was named Teacher of the Year with South Park High School; selected Teacher of the Year - Texas A&M Award, from South Park High School; received the Club Vice President Award in 2008-2009 and was a member of The Evening Optimist Club of Greater Beaumont.
Coach Hentschel gave many hours in helping young adults with personal and emotional problems. He thought it was always a pleasure to see a youngster develop his full potential, not only on the playing field, but in the classroom. He would get a thrill out of watching a student respond to what he has been taught and achieve success.
Along with his coaching career, he was very active in his church where he attended for 50+ years. He had tremendous Faith in the Lord which never failed him and helped him achieve his goals in life. In his spare time, he also loved fishing and playing golf. Upon his retirement in 1997, he and his wife welcomed their first granddaughter, Caitlin Keene.
Coach Hentschel is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Keene and her husband, Tim, of Sulphur, Louisiana; granddaughter, Caitlin Keene, of Warren, Michigan; sisters, Ruby Fehrle, of LaGrange and Mary Simpson, of Bellville; brothers, Eddie Hentschel, of Temple, Franklin Hentschel, of Conroe, and Les Hentschel, of Plum.
He is preceded in death by his wife of forty-seven years, Ann Hentschel; and brother, James Hentschel.
A gathering of Coach Hentschel’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church, 2955 South Major Drive, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 2955 South Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706; Beaumont South Forest Park Lions, 566 Devon Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707; or to The Evening Optimist Club of Greater Beaumont. P.O. Box 20462, Beaumont, Texas 77720.
