The Madrigals adult Sunday school class at Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City will host an open house birthday party for Vance Henkel Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church. Henkel, who lives in Peachtree City, will celebrate his 100th birthday on that day.

Born in 1905 in Pennsylvania, Henkel was one of six children. He worked for 14 years with the railroad before going to work at Armco Steel in Pittsburgh where he worked until his retirement in 1968. He was married to his late wife, Grace, for almost 72 years before she passed away in January 2000. The couple had one son, Homer, who, along with his wife, Shirley, now resides in Peachtree City. The Henkels also raised several of their nieces and nephews. He has three grandchildren and eight grandchildren.

In 2002, Henkel moved to Peachtree City to live with his son and daughter-in-law. He takes walks through his neighborhood regularly and tours around on his golf cart daily, talking with friends and strangers alike.

He always has gospel literature to share with people and has personally given away more than 100 “Jesus” videos. He reads four to six chapters of scripture daily, and has read the Bible in its entirety many times.

Through the years, Henkel and his wife opened their home to every visiting pastor and missionary who came to town and to anyone in need of encouragement.

Members of the community are invited to share in Henkel’s birthday celebration. Carriage Lane Presbyterian is at Carriage Lane and Ga. Hwy. 54, across from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Peachtree City.

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