Vaughn Richard Henke

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vaughn Richard Henke, age 65, on July 21, 2026, in the city that he called home his entire life, Amarillo, Texas. Vaughn was born on November 7, 1960, in Amarillo, to Robert “Bob” and Marceline “Marcie” Henke. He was the fourth of their six children. He attended Tascosa High School and graduated with the Class of 1978.

Vaugh was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures and the things he loved most. He was an avid fan of Elvis Presley and always appreciated the timeless music and movies starring the King of Rock and Roll. Vaughn also enjoyed John Wayne and classic Western movies as well as Hallmark Christmas movies all year long.

Sports were another of Vaughn’s great passions. He faithfully cheered for the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Twins, the Los Angeles Lakers (because the franchise came from Minneapolis, MN), and the West Texas A&M University basketball teams. He also enjoyed the peace that fishing brought him. Vaughn loved bowling and the many friendships he made at the bowling alleys around Amarillo.

Although Vaughn always had a smile and an upbeat attitude, he fought battles that many people never saw, and while those struggles shaped parts of his life, they did not define who he was as a person. Beneath this struggle was a soul who loved deeply, cared intensely, and strove to be better for his family. He loved his family dearly. We take comfort that he can finally find the peace that was so hard to find here in this life. His life was marked by both struggles and love, and he will be missed by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bob” and Marceline “Marcie” Henke, his brother, Brian Henke; and his nephew, Bobby Henke.

Vaughn is survived by his brothers, Dean Henke and wife Linda, and Brad Henke; his sisters, Shelly Henke, and Brenda McMahon and husband, Ray, all of Amarillo. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as his son, Dalton Dodson. Though circumstances separated them, Vaughn quietly followed his son’s accomplishments whenever he could and was deeply proud of the man he became. He carried both love and regret in his heart, always wishing he could have been a better father.