Henry Neinast

Henry Louis “Bubba” Neinast passed away on January 18, 2023 surrounded by his family.  A Celebration of Life will be held at First Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 22, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Skip Stutts officiating.  A visitation will be held at Strickland Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21 from 4-6 p.m.

Bubba was born on October 23, 1946 to Harry and Betty Prenzler Neinast.  He was a life-long member of First Lutheran Church. He was baptized on Christmas day in 1946, and was confirmed on April 10, 1960.  He also regularly attended services at First Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir.  He frequently sang solos at both churches.

He attended schools in Somerville, and after graduation in 1965, he went on to receive his associate degree from Blinn College and later attended Texas A&M.

In the 1970’s, Bubba moved to Austin to work as a legislative aide.  After that, he worked for the State Comptroller’s Office, and then transferred to the Bryan office so he could attend more Aggie events and to watch his nephews play sports for the Somerville Yeguas.  After retirement, he worked as a courier for Citizens State Bank.

Bubba loved life.  He enjoyed taking care of his cows on his ranch in Long Point, watching sports, listening to and playing music, and socializing with his friends at “the café” in Lyons.  Although he had no children of his own, he loved kids, and kids loved him.  He often babysat for friends and family.  He was everyone’s “Uncle Bubba,” even though to his actual nieces and nephews, he was just “Bubba.” He was known for his homemade ice cream and his chocolate pies at many gatherings.  He also loved dancing in his younger days.  Everyone wanted him to be their dance partner, especially if the song was a polka or a waltz.  Many high school kids were only allowed to attend area dances and other events if they rode with him, because their parents felt he was such a safe and responsible driver, and they trusted him to get them home safely.

Bubba was one of the biggest Aggie fans ever, but he was also one of their biggest critics.  If you knew him, you probably had at least one argument with him involving the Aggies.  One of the highlights of his life was being chosen to throw out the first pitch at an Aggie baseball game.  It was quite a celebration.

He also spent many days creating his own Christmas wonderland in his yard every year.  His collection of over seventy blowup decorations attracted a stream of visitors, and he was very proud knowing he had brought Christmas cheer to Somerville.

Bubba was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Betty Neinast, and his brother-in-law, Kevin Hill.

Survivors include his sister, Mary Neinast Hill of Brenham, his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Linda Neinast, and his sister and brother-in-law, Betsy and Ben Flencher of Somerville.  In addition, he is survived by the following nieces and nephews: Jon, Gayle, and Ian Hill; Shannon, Will, Kathryn, William, Christopher, Emily Hodges; Aaron, Amanda, Abigail, and Aubrey Flencher; Cory, Cristi, Mia, and Levi Flencher; Ryan, Stephanie, Brady, Sloane, and Eli Flencher; and Josh and Missy Flencher.  Also surviving are Winston, Evelyn, and Amelia Forrester; Wesley, Claire, Henry, and Stephen Henson; and Flo, Corrine, Junia, and Naomi Batram.

Serving as pallbearers are Aaron Flencher, Cory Flencher, Ryan Flencher, Josh Flencher, Jon Hill, and Will Hodges.

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.