Roll Call Tribute

David F. Henges, M.D. 

February 4, 1938 - May 10, 2024 

Colonel David Faulkner Henges, M.D. of Lakeway, Texas died on May 10, 2024 surrounded by fellow doctors and his loving family. He was born February 4, 1938 in Nashville, Tennessee to Ethel Josephine Faulkner Henges and Frederick William Henges, Jr.

David spent his youth in Orange, Texas, graduating from Lutcher Stark High School in 1956. He attended Texas A&M University Class of 1960 from September 1956–January 1961, graduating with a math degree. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas in 1965.

In Galveston, Dr. Henges met the love of his life: Judith Ann Giles Henges. The two were married in 1964. Together, they traveled the world as Dr. Henges served in many roles within the United States Air Force. Dr. Henges began his career at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB as an intern in 1965. He was thrilled to serve as a Flight Surgeon in the School of Aerospace Medicine at Randolph AFB in 1966, then completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Lackland AFB from 1968–1972. He served at Tachikawa AFB, Japan from 1972–1974 (Department Chief 1973–1974), then did a fellowship at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Orthopedic Pathology Division, in Washington, D.C. from 1974–1976. He completed a fellowship in hand surgery with Harold Kleinert, M.D. in Louisville, Kentucky from 1976–1977. During that time, his skills and training helped a miner who had lost both arms in a mine accident. Dr. Henges served as team leader for the right arm of the first successful double arm replant done in the world. The miraculous story made the Reader’s Digest; Dr. Harold E. Kleinert was credited as the head of the program that trained the gifted surgeons.

Dr. Henges was then assigned to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi as Chief of the Orthopedic Department. He worked hard to purchase a special microscope so that he could use the skills he had just learned. Soon after, he completed the first successful replant in the Air Force, reattaching a toddler’s finger that had been cut off in a playpen accident. During his career, Dr. Henges earned the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (1974), Joint Services Commendation Medal (1977), Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and Outstanding Unit Award. He was medically retired from the Air Force in 1983.

Dr. Henges and Judith moved to Austin, Texas, where he founded Hand Surgery and Orthopedic Associates of Austin with Judith as his office manager. From 1984 until he retired in 2009, he employed UT Austin students who were interested in medical school, training them as they helped him. All but one employee attended medical school afterward.

Though David lost his father at a very young age, his accomplishments carry on his parents’ legacy of hard work, education, and selfless service to humanity. To pay his way through school, he worked as a paper boy, roofer, and carpenter. David learned woodworking and built many pieces of furniture that will remain in the family. Relationships — or “connections,” as he liked to call them — and family history were of utmost importance to him. David cultivated friends and stayed in touch with his friends for his lifetime. Despite being an orthopedic and hand surgeon who took call, he managed to make it to every important event for his family, from track meets to graduations.

David was a man of faith until the end. His favorite Bible story was the Parable of the Talents. Some favorite personal sayings included “You don’t risk a lot for a little bit,” “There is no such thing as women’s work or men’s work, just work, and everyone should know how to do it all,” “If all else fails, read the directions,” and “Do as I say, not as I do.” David always set the bar high for himself and everyone he knew. His children and grandchildren know that they can reach any goal. David is now reunited with his wife who shared with him the joys, sorrows, and hardships incidental to his profession.

To mourn his passing, David leaves his three daughters — Leslie Henges Dolliver, Karen Henges, and Cynthia Henges; his seven grandchildren — Anna Dolliver, Martha Dolliver, David Dolliver, Nora Henges, Martin Henges, Sidney Levinson Thompson, and Judith Josephine Thompson; his brother, Charles Michael Henges; his favorite Aggie nephew, James William Henges; and many more relatives and friends. Pallbearers include David Foster Dolliver, Martin Henges, Sidney Levinson Thompson, James William Henges, John Russell Dolliver, and David Lewis Thompson. David’s family appreciates the attentive and compassionate care from Belmont Village Lakeway these last five years, especially from his main caregivers Alexsandria Garcia-Lopez and Ashley Lloyd. Alex and Ashley helped David remain optimistic, even in the toughest circumstances.

There will be a visitation at the Lakeway Church Chapel on Sunday, May 19th from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Services will be held on Monday, May 20th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following at the church. Reverend Brent Graham will perform the service, having been David’s Bible study leader at Belmont Village Lakeway for the last five years. Interment will follow in Kerrville at the Garden of Memories Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice Austin or the Lakeway Church. Having served well his fellow men, David will be missed by those he served.

IN THE CARE OF
Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services