SR 2023

Celebrating the life of Edward Olmsted Henneman.
Agreed to by the Senate, June 22, 2026
WHEREAS, Edward Olmsted Henneman, an esteemed former professor at the Washington and Lee University School of Law and a beloved member of the Lexington community, died on March 16, 2026; and
WHEREAS, born and raised in New York City, Edward “Ned” Henneman graduated from Woodberry Forest School in 1955 before earning a bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1959 and his juris doctor degree from Harvard University in 1962; and
WHEREAS, after practicing law in New York City from 1962 to 1972, Ned Henneman left the firm of Winthrop, Stimson, Putman & Roberts to become the first director of planned giving at Washington and Lee University (W&L); then, six years later he joined the faculty of the W&L University School of Law, where he remained until his retirement in 2005; and
WHEREAS, over a professorial career that spanned nearly three decades, Ned Henneman guided and mentored countless future attorneys while teaching courses in the areas of trusts, estates, property, real estate, family law, and elder law; he also nurtured the success of the W&L School of Law in his capacity as its associate dean from 1981 to 1992; and
WHEREAS, Ned Henneman devoted himself to the well-being of the community in Lexington, including by founding a local chapter of Meals on Wheels, by serving as both vice-chair and chair of the Lexington City School Board, and by serving as a member on the boards of several local organizations, including what is today Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital; he was also an active member of the Democratic Party in both Lexington and Rockbridge County; and
WHEREAS, Ned Henneman gave generously of his time as a member of the Lexington Retirement Community Board and helped to spearhead the founding of the retirement community Kendal at Lexington, where he lived for more than 15 years; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Ned Henneman enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington, and he supported his congregation as a member of the vestry; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Penelope, Ned Henneman will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his children, Neeltje, Ted, and Bob, and their families; and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Edward Olmsted Henneman, a treasured member of the Lexington community whose wit, wisdom, and dedication will forever inspire all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Edward Olmsted Henneman as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.