Henry Wayne De La Rosa

January 22, 1953 – July 23, 2026

Henry Wayne De La Rosa passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 23, 2026, in Schertz, Texas, at the age of 73. He was born on January 22, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, to John Martin De La Rosa and Mary Sandoval De La Rosa.

Henry began his railroad career with Missouri Pacific Railroad Company in 1974 as a fireman. On April 26, 1975, he was promoted to locomotive engineer, beginning a career that would become an important part of his life.

Throughout his years on the railroad, Henry built what could only be described as a second family. He made countless friends along the way, and many of those friendships lasted a lifetime. Henry never met a stranger. Whether you knew him for five minutes or fifty years, he had a way of making you feel welcome. He was a remarkable listener, always ready with an open ear, a kind word, or a good story that could bring laughter to those around him.

Henry had a passion for the outdoors and found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time with family and close friends, especially gathering around a campfire, enjoying a few cold drinks, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company. One of his favorite traditions was an annual gathering at a ranch with a close group of friends, where evenings were spent around the campfire telling stories and making memories.

Henry also had a lifelong love of history. He was always eager to learn and equally happy to share what he knew. Traveling was another of his great passions. He enjoyed loading up the car with a few close friends and heading to Colorado to take in the beautiful mountain scenery. His travels also took him across Europe and on memorable adventures to New Zealand and Australia.

And fittingly for a lifelong railroad man, Henry found a special kind of happiness traveling by train. He enjoyed Amtrak journeys, including trips to New Orleans and many other places, taking in the scenery, the people, and the experience of the journey itself. For Henry, traveling wasn’t simply about the destination—it was about the adventure, the stories, and the memories made along the way.

Above all, Henry valued the people in his life. Family and friendship meant everything to him. He showed up for the people he cared about, celebrated their milestones, listened to their stories, and made sure they knew they mattered.

Henry was preceded in death by his father, John Martin De La Rosa, his mother, Mary Sandoval De La Rosa and brother John De La Rosa Jr.

He is survived by his son, Henry Jared De La Rosa; his granddaughter, Penelope Ruth De La Rosa; his grandson, Winston Oliver Hercules; his sister, Diana James.  He also leaves behind numerous family members, railroad brothers, and many dear friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

Henry’s legacy will not simply be measured by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched, the friendships he made, the stories he shared, and the memories he leaves behind. He will forever be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of the outdoors and history, his storytelling, his humor, and most of all, his love for family and friends.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.