Jesse, affectionately known by many as “Sonny”, was born on December 1, 1938 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late J. L. “Jake” and Rena Henry. He spent his childhood and teenage years showing cattle as a part of 4-H and FFA. He graduated from Spiro High School in 1957 and was married to Glenda Coleman on January 21, 1961. They resided in Arkoma most of their lives, and had two children, Tammy and Hayden. Jesse spent his career farming and raising cattle.
Following high school, Jesse spent some time at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton before joining the Air Guard. He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and was later stationed in Fort Smith. In 1973, Jesse was elected to the Arkoma School Board, serving more than 45 years with the district. He was a valued contributor to Arkoma Public Schools, as well as a volunteer firefighter in Arkoma for many decades. Jesse was also an active Mason.
Jesse spent much of his free time in the “deer woods” hunting. He always enjoyed rodeos, horses and westerns, and a good pair of boots. He was hard-working and determined, a devoted husband, loving father and bigger-than-life Papa to his three granddaughters, who will always remember tagging along to “feed the cows” and drinking Dr. Pepper with him. He was a lifelong friend to so many.
Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda; and his parents, J. L. “Jake” and Rena Henry. He is survived by his two children, Tammy Weatherford and husband David of Broken Arrow and Hayden Henry and wife JerriKay of Broken Arrow; and his three granddaughters, Aubrey Weatherford, Tara Bevill (husband Brandon) and Jordan Henry.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Arkoma Gym, 622 Cook Ave. Interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Noral Stamps, Joe Herbert, Larry Reed, Loyd McBride, Jesse Johnson and Ed Nord. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Arkoma Public Schools, P.O. Box 349, Arkoma, OK 74901. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.
