Ray Hoenig

Raymond Joseph Hoenig of Lindsay, Texas died at the age of 84 on December 26, 2020, as a result of pre-leukemia cancer.  He was born November 8, 1936 to Joe and Susie Fleitman Hoenig.  He married Cecilia “Celie” Neu on April 8, 1961 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lindsay.  They had eight children: Carla, married to Ron Petrasek; Aaron, married to Ann (Olson); Collette, married to Dominic Knabe; Shawn; Quentin; Mark Joe, married to Jill (Cleator); Gretchen, married to Nathan Day; and John, married to Alayna (Miller).  They had fifteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who brought much joy into their lives.

Ray attended Sacred Heart School and served three years in the army from November 18, 1954 through November 17, 1957.  His basic training was in Fort Bliss, Texas, after which he was stationed in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri.  He then served in Austria and Germany until the spring of 1957.  He was discharged from the army in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He had served as a combat engineer during peace time.

Ray always raised a big garden with the entire family helping to plant, harvest, and preserve the food.  One memory the sons will have is swimming in the pond on a cold winter day (it was a short swim).  Summer days were filled with hauling hay.  For entertainment, the family played various card games and dominoes.

Ray and Celie had toured all forty-eight of the contiguous states.  They had also taken a special trip to Germany and Austria with a group of square dancers and national callers, which was one of their most enjoyable travels.

Ray had several jobs during his lifetime and spent twenty-two years at Weber before retiring at age 76. After retiring, he rebuilt the fences at the farm.  Before the virus messed up everyone’s life, his typical day would involve eating breakfast and going to Bosco’s gym for a workout while visiting friends.  Then he would go to the Stanford House Senior Center to play “42” until lunch time and then enjoy an afternoon nap.  He loved playing games with family and cards with his neighbors, friends, and relatives on Sunday nights.

In addition to his wife, six children, fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Ray is survived by his sister Rita Cottle, his sister and brother-in-law Edna and Richard Hermes, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his sons Shawn Hoenig and Quentin Hoenig; his grandson Mitchell Hoenig; his sister and brother-in-law Eleanora and Carl Pelzel; his brother and sister-in-law Rupert and Jeanie Hoenig; and brother Jerry Hoenig.

Arrangements are under the care of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.  A Rosary service will be held on Monday, December 28 at 6:00pm at the funeral home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 29 at 10:00am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lindsay with The Very Reverend Raymond McDaniel officiating.  The pallbearers will be: Aaron Hoenig, Mark Joe Hoenig, John Hoenig/Ben Bindel, Ron Petrasek, Dominic Knabe, and Nathan Day.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Hospice (316 South Chestnut St, Gainesville, TX 76240), or Stanford House (401 West Garnett, Gainesville, TX 76240).