William James Henry

William James Henry, 72, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Born on September 12, 1946, in Terre Haute, IN. He was the only child of late Evelyn I. Shassere and William M. Henry. He graduated from Gerstmeyer Technical High School in 1965. He served in the Navy during Vietnam and was stationed in the Philippines where he was a Morris code operator. After the Navy he gained employment with GTE and moved to Fort Wayne, IN with his children from his first marriage. He then met his wife Karen Henry in 1980. He retired from GTE (Verizon/Frontier) after 36 years. “Henry” (as most knew him) was an avid golfer loved to keep score and keep everyone honest. He was known for his skills on the pool table and loved teaching his kids, grandkids and anybody who wanted to learn. He was a poker enthusiast. He was always an animal lover of all kinds. He was a long-time participant of Legion post #499 Honor Guard. Outdoorsman in his younger years but still occasionally enjoyed camping, hiking, walking, mushroom hunting, swimming and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen Henry; daughters, Dawn Hyde (Brian), Donna Taylor, Tiffany Henry (Mike, Dan); sons, James Henry, Richard (Megan) Brooks, Dennis Brooks;14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter Darla Henry; and favorite pets Coco, Pepper and Puffy. Memorial service is at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019, at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 N. Wells St., Fort Wayne, IN 46808, with visitation two hours prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight, Northeast Indiana at Make a Donation - Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. Memorial Contributions may be made to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.