Michael Reed Henzman

Michael R. Henzman, 72, passed away on June 21, 2021. He was born December 8, 1948 in Beech Grove, Indiana to the late Doreen (Cummings) and Calvin Henzman. He attended Selvin Grade School through 8th grade, spent his freshman year at Dale High School then transferred to Lynnville High School, before becoming a member of the first graduating class of Tecumseh High School in 1966. In high school, Michael was a standout track and basketball athlete and was co-captain of his senior basketball team. After graduation, Michael worked the next 2 years at J&H Service Company in Elberfeld.

In the Spring of 1969, Michael completed Army basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky before being selected for NCO Leadership School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After subsequent training at Fort Ord, California and Fort Lewis, Washington, Michael overstayed his home leave to spend more time with his future bride, Beverly, and watch his younger brother, David, play several high school basketball games. Indeed, when Michael arrived in California to ship out for Vietnam, they informed him that he was technically AWOL, and Michael asked, “Well, what are you going to do, send me to Vietnam?” Which is exactly what they did. He served honorably as Platoon Sergeant and, as a result of a battlefield promotion, Platoon Leader. Michael fought bravely and heroically and received his CIB, 2 Bronze Stars, and several other battlefield commendations.

After his return from Vietnam, Michael attended Vincennes Community College in Jasper before beginning his 30-year career at Alcoa’s Warrick Operations. He worked his first 7 years in the Potrooms and the remainder of his career in Cathode.

Shortly after his return from Vietnam, Michael became engaged to Beverly J. Collins of Boonville, and they were married in March 1972. They had 2 children, Becky and Chris. Michael was proud of his children’s athletic and academic accomplishments and his son’s service in the US Navy. It was a special pride of his that his daughter, Becky, was awarded a volleyball scholarship at the University of Mississippi for Women, and that Becky’s daughter, Micaela, recently signed a volleyball scholarship for the same university.

Michael and Beverly had a wonderful 49-year marriage, and they traveled extensively, from Tahiti to Alaska. He and Beverly, together, built an antique business, participating in many shows and auctions. They enjoyed traveling to Mississippi to first watch their daughter and later their granddaughter play volleyball and to watch their grandson, Drew, develop into a standout baseball player. Michael had a special relationship with his son-in-law, Greg, teaching him bass fishing and golf.

Michael enjoyed playing basketball as part of the Alcoa League and golfing with his friends. He was a big fan of IU basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals and greatly enjoyed watching many different sporting events.

As was said of Abraham Lincoln, it could also be said of Michael Henzman, that “Although he cared little for simple facts, rules and methods, it was on the underlying principle of truth and justice that his will was firm as steel and tenacious as iron…. When justice, right, liberty, the government, the constitution, the union, humanity were involved, then you may all stand aside. No man can move him. No set of men can.”

Michael was predeceased by his parents and sister, Jody Andrews. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Beverly; children, Rebekah Hudgins (Greg) and Christopher Henzman, and grandchildren, Micaela and Andrew Hudgins. He is also survived by his brother, David (Linda) Henzman; nieces, Carrie (Jason) Breeze, Heather Morse; great nieces, Kady Zoe (Ben Haney) Breeze, Madelyn, Natalie and Grace Morse, and many cousins.

Friends may visit Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261. The Funeral Service will be at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Danny Barr. His final resting place will be in Garrison Chapel Cemetery, Gentryvile, IN.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.