Henry W. Flagg, Jr. (“Hank”)
Henry Wilkinson Flagg, Jr. (“Hank”) passed into the arms of his loving Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 2, 2026 in League City, Texas.
Hank was born on March 7, 1936 in Galveston, Texas to Henry Wilkinson Flagg and Louise Isabel Flagg. After attending Galveston schools he graduated in 1958 with a B.A. (Honors Program) from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and in 1960 with a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. In 1960 he accepted an active military commission as a lieutenant in the Army Judge Advocate General Corp. in Washington, D.C. and, while there, met and married Helen Marie Morrissette of Charlottesville, VA in 1961. In 1962, he returned to Texas and transitioned to a civil service role with the Legal Department of NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, which was later renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (“JSC”). In 1980 he was named Chief Counsel of JSC’s Legal Department and he remained in that position until 1997 when he retired. While he was Chief Counsel, he was very pleased to have completed significant legal work leading to the creation and opening of Space Center Houston. As only the third Chief Counsel at JSC, Hank was truly a pioneer in his 35 years of legal support to NASA’s manned spaceflight programs.
Hank was a devoted husband and father, an avid hunter, and a man of humility, integrity, and unwavering faith. In his devotion to his family, he and Helen were a strong team committed to instilling these values in their children. His love for his family was unmatched. He is survived by his wife, Helen; son Captain Eric Chandler Flagg, U.S. Navy; twin daughters Mrs. David Tousley (Elizabeth) and Mrs. Michael McCoy (Kathryn); grandchildren Austin and Travis Flagg, Sarah Tousley, Elizabeth Anne, Deborah, David and Christopher McCoy, and Amanda Saputo; great-grandchild Leo Saputo; and numerous family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held on the 19th day of September, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, Texas 77598. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to Lighthouse For Christ Church, 6645 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124.
If you’re unable to attend Hank’s Memorial Service in person, please join us remotely and watch the service via this livestream link either on your computer or your phone:
I had the privilege and honor of growing up next door to Hank Flagg and his amazing family! They are some of the best people I’ve ever known, friends of 55 years don’t happen often! We truly love each other as family.
The Flagg family is steeped with family values, traditions, care and respect! Blessings to each of you during this difficult time. My sincere condolences and prayers for healing and comfort knowing he is with the Lord.
I am so sad to hear this. We live opposite and I have missed them both since they moved. Hank loved my British mince pies which he often paired with a small brandy since he knew they should have had brandy sauce to go with them. He was a lovely neighbor . Love to Helen and the family from us both. Cathy and Don Hollowell.
For forty-seven years, we lived two doors away from Hank. We could not have asked for a better neighbor. He was always cheerful and ready to offer any assistance that was required. We will miss him; however, just knowing him was an honor.
Mark and Judy Hoddinott
we were glad to be included in the memorial service through the link.
So many good memories.
It was very nice to see everyone
I was a nurse in the clinic years ago and had the pleasure of visiting with him many times. He was a genuine, kind and humble gentleman who always had a smile and kind words for us all. I’m so sorry for your loss but as written in the obituary, he’s home with the Lord.