Virgil Lee Henning, the son of William Glen and Fern Elizabeth (Norton) Henning, was born April 25, 1930, in Westboro, Missouri. He attended Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri, graduating in 1947.

On September 21, 1956, Virgil was united in marriage to Sandra Jean Winstead at the Westboro Methodist Church, Westboro. They became the parents of three children, James, Tony, and Carol, and made their home in Tarkio. Sandra passed away in February of 2024.

Virgil helped construct grain bins throughout Atchison County until the mid 1960s. He was then employed by Missouri Beef Packers, Phelps City, Missouri, as a knife sharpener, until their closing in 1984. Virgil later became the greenskeeper at Tarkio Golf Course, until his retirement. After retiring, he was a farmhand for numerous area farmers.

Virgil was a member of the Allen-Schiffern American Legion Post #199, Tarkio. He enjoyed exercising at the Tarkio Activity Center. He also loved drinking coffee and having lunch at the Tarkio Nutrition Center, and Mondo’s in Shenandoah, Iowa. Virgil passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Community Hospital-Fairfax, Fairfax, Missouri, at the age of 96.

Besides his parents and wife, Sandra Henning, Virgil was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Robin Henning; and siblings, Betty, James, Russell, Pat, Carolyn, Norma, Mary Ann, and Sally. Survivors include children, James (Debbie) Henning, Dodge City, Kansas, Tony Henning, Tarkio, and Carol Henning, Shenandoah; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Graveside service and inurnment, conducted by Pastor Bryan Hornsby, were held Monday, May 4, 2026, at Center Grove Cemetery, Westboro. Military rites were under the auspices of Allen-Schiffern American Legion Post #199, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to Tarkio Nutrition Center, Tarkio. Arrangements are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.