Russell Seth Henenberg (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Russell Seth Henenberg was born October 22, 1999, in Bolivar, Missouri to Matt and LeAnn (Wison) Henenberg. From an early age there was something different about Seth. He feared nothing and he felt no physical pain. He showed an early talent of artistic ability by drawing, painting and carving before he even started school. He always wanted to be a cowboy, running around with his dad’s cowboy friends and watching the PBR. When he was five years old his grandparents took him to a mutton busting in Sutherland, Nebraska for his first taste of rodeo life. His life was forever changed. He started rodeoing in the Missouri Family Rodeo Association, where he would always want to help in the back pens and be part of the production. Along with becoming a good hand at riding rough stock, he continued his artwork. He was asked to paint a center piece on a large mural at the Bolivar Primary School and drew or painted many things for his classmates, teachers and friends. He won many art contests throughout his school years. Rough stock riding soon wasn’t enough, and he started roping and began participating in Missouri Jr. High School Rodeos. He made the short go at Jr. High Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa with his Team Roping partner, Dillion Faran, in 2014. He continued to grow as an artist as well as training under “Miss Kathy” Roweton and soon started working in leather tooling. He started high school and started riding Saddle Broncs, Bull Riding, Team Roping and Tie Down Roping. He was a two-time Missouri High School Rodeo Saddle Bronc state champion in 2016 and 2017. Much like his cowboy/artist hero, Charles Russell, school and town could not hold him. He completed his schooling early and headed to Ft. Scott Community College to Rodeo and get a degree. He participated in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association for two years and earned his degree in 2019. He blossomed in Kansas with a cowboy lifestyle and felt at home in the Ft. Scott area. Upon graduation he worked on several ranches in Kansas and Missouri. Throughout high school and college he worked and traveled the rodeo circuit Rafter 4M Rodeo, Outlaw/5J Rodeo Company and McKellips Rodeo. Seth also worked at several sale barns throughout his life, starting at Roberts Brothers Sale Barn in Bolivar, Ft. Scott Livestock Market and Joplin Regional Stock Yards. As he got older, he started silver smithing and became well known for his quality spurs, bits and buckles. He had his own company called Hens, Bits and Spurs, where he produced several lifetime pieces for his friends and customers from around the United States. At the time of his earthly departure, he worked for MO-KAN Livestock and High Stakes Rodeo.
Seth is survived by his parents of Bolivar, Missouri, brother, Neil and wife Erica, sister, Audrey, sister, Maude and husband Dylan Elliott, all of Bolivar. Nieces, Skylar, Avery, Eleanor and Memphis. Nephews, Creek and Quigley, all of Bolivar. Maternal grandparents, Bob and Roberta Wilson, of Bolivar, and paternal grandparents, Dutch and Connie Henenberg of St. Louis. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.
Seth accepted Christ at the age of 9 and knew the Lord and Savior. He showed that unconditional love he knew by being a friend to all he met. He had an infectious smile and cackle laugh that made you smile. He was a very polite young man his entire life always calling people ma’am and sir when he addressed them. Whenever he saw a veteran wearing a service hat, jacket and shirt, he would walk up to them, look them in the eye, shake their hand and thank them for their service. He loved to visit with older people and always made time to make children feel important and smile. All he ever wanted was to be a hand, and he was considered a sure enough hand in the world of cowboys. He will be missed by his family, his rodeo family and his Kansas cowboy family.
The family would like to thank everyone who called, texted and messaged them with their thoughts and prayers. They especially enjoyed all the “Seth Stories” and there were many. Fly High Cowboy!
Funeral services for Seth will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, December 17, 2023 at the Double J Indoor Arena, 10 E. 350th Rd, Humansville, MO 65674. A visitation reception will follow immediately after the services. Seth will be laid to rest on Monday, December 18th 2023 at the Evergreen Cemetery, 914 215th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Briannna Walker Memorial Rodeo or the Cash Moore Foundation.
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