Robert (“Bob”) Hartley Henry, 86, of Rushsylvania, departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by his family on June 26, 2023.
The son of Raymond and Reba Mae Ewing Henry, Robert was born on October 1, 1936, in Belle Center, Ohio, the seventh of eight children. On March 27, 1958, he married the love of his life, Lauretta Lee Guthrie. Together they had five children: Dana Lea Henry of Columbus, Ohio; Robert Brian (Robbin) Henry of Stoutsville, Ohio; Karla Jean (Mark) Lowe of Kenton, Ohio; J. Todd (Debi) Henry of Bellefontaine, Ohio; and Tamara Sue (Walter) Mansfield of Lewistown, Ohio.
A 1954 graduate of Belle Center Schools, Robert devoted his life to education and serving others. He was a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent at Buckeye Local Schools in Logan County, Ohio, before becoming the superintendent of Indian Lake Schools for fourteen years. From there, he moved to Shadyside, Ohio, to serve as superintendent for eight years and then as the treasurer for seven years. As a volunteer through AARP, he prepared taxes for individuals for 20 years and served the community on the boards of the Hilliker YMCA and the Logan County Friendly Senior Center and various committees for the Methodist Church. Preceding him in death are his parents, his son Robert Brian Henry, his grandson Cody Alan Trent, and his siblings Marjorie Cushwa, Mary Lou Thomas, Betty Collum, Carl Henry, Edison Henry, and Carol Howell.
Robert is survived by Lauretta, his wife of 65 years, along with their four children, twelve grandchildren, Matthew (Linda) Henry; Rachel (Jessie) Boldoser; Renae Henry; Kari (David) Ross; Wade (Kassie Hanlon) Trent; Brandon (Kendel Wilker) Henry; Brett (Jessie) Henry; Brice (Bethany) Henry; Kateri (Bryce) Forrer; Corrin Mansfield; Caleb (Kayla) Mansfield; Kwinton (Abigail) Mansfield, 23 great-grandchildren, his sister Phyllis (Bob) Hempy, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory and miss him dearly. “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full” (Psalm 127:5). Robert touched the lives of thousands of people throughout his life and left a legacy for his family to be proud of. However, his greatest reward, by the grace of God, through faith, was when he closed his eyes to this world and opened them in the presence of Jesus to hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church, 152 Rush St, Rushsylvania, OH 43347 or Belle Center United Methodist Church, 202 E Main St, Belle Center, OH 43310 or to a charity of the donors choice.
Visitation will be held at the Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and again Friday, June 30, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Robert’s grandson, Brett Henry, will officiate a Memorial Service at the funeral home at 11:00 on Friday. Burial will take place in Highland Memorial Cemetery following the service.
Online Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com
