George Boenigk

George Lee Boenigk was born to C.P. and Elizabeth (Selensky) Boenigk in Humble, Texas on March 12, 1926. In 1945, he graduated from Refugio High School. After graduation, George served in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater earning a World War II Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal for his service. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Refugio, Texas where he met the love of his life, Clara Mae Cunningham. They were married on August 28, 1949. Together they attended Sam Houston State University where George graduated with a bachelors of science degree in vocational agriculture and teaching certification. Just prior to his graduation, George and Clara welcomed their first child, Clarissa Kathleen (Kathy) in 1952. After graduating from Sam Houston State University, the family moved to Livingston, Texas where George created the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service (ASCS) office under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Polk County. He then served in the same capacity for Galveston County. While living in League City, the family welcomed their second child, Bobby Alan in 1955. In 1956, the family moved to Edinburg, Texas where George served in the same capacity in Hidalgo County. There, he created the ASCS office for Hidalgo County. While living in Edinburg, the family welcomed their third child, George Randal (Randy) in 1958. In 1967, George Lee transferred to the Texas State Office of ASCS in Bryan, Texas and moved the family to Bryan. At that time, the family started attending First United Methodist Church where George remained an active member throughout his life. George served the USDA, rising through the ranks, until he retired in December of 1981. After his retirement, George and Clara moved to rural Madison County. The two spent their retirement traveling, volunteering, and teaching the grandkids how to camp. George and Clara both enjoyed spending time with their family and watching the family grow over the years. One special service project that was near and dear to George’s heart was the P.E.T Project where he would build mobility devices for people in developing countries. Along with a few others, he founded Mobility World Wide of Brazos Valley in 2009 and served through 2019.

George is proceeded in death by his parents, C.P. and Elizabeth; his wife, Clara; his siblings Marie Elizabeth (Travis) and Carl Hugo (Alberta); and numerous nieces, nephews and other beloved family members. George is survived by his three children Kathy Zincke, Bobby (Rebecca), and Randy; his eight grandchildren Michele (Will), Timothy (Allison), Heather (fiancé Clay), Justin (Amanda), Chad (Veronica), Rachel (Elizabeth), Ryan (Cassandra), and Callie; and 14 great grandchildren Landon, Brandt, Campbell, Aidan, Blake, Timothy, Layona, Avery, Bodie, Charley, Asher, Ryan, Taylor and “Bubbles”; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and beloved family members.

In lieu of flowers, George asked that donations be directed to the P.E.T. Project Texas, Inc. at First Methodist Church (506 E. 28th St, Bryan, TX 77803). George also shared that he would encourage donations to your favorite charity in his memory.