Eugene Edward Henn, age 93, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Gene, as his family and friends knew him, was born in Evansville, Indiana, October 16, 1931, to Valeda and Carl Henn.
Gene moved to Indianapolis with the family in 1943, where he attended St. Thomas Aquinas grade school. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School (1949), and Butler University (BS Business, 1957). He received a law degree from IU Law School (1960). He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 – 54, including overseas service in Korea.
Gene was Vice President and head of the legal department American Fletcher National Bank (subsequently Bank One Indiana), Vice President of the AFNB/Bank One Mortgage legal department and general counsel to the board for AFNB/Bank One Indiana (1961 – 1994). He was of counsel with Mercer, Touhy, and Gleason (1994 – 1996). He served as President of the Indianapolis Bar Association (1983), leading the city's premier legal organization while contributing to the advancement of the legal profession in Indianapolis.
Memberships included: Member, Indianapolis Bar Foundation where he engaged in philanthropic efforts supporting legal education and pro bono services. Member, Marion County Bar Association where he contributed to initiatives promoting fairness, justice, and equality within the legal community. He was an Emeritus Member, board of trustees of Marian University, Member, American Legion Post #34, Member, Knights of Columbus, Member, Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, Previous Head, Archdiocese of Indianapolis Finance Committee, Previous Head, St. Luke church building committee, Previous Member, St. Thomas Aquinas church building committee, Past President, Indianapolis Athletic Club, Long time Member, Indianapolis Day Nursery Association, Emeritus Member, Highland Country Club of Indianapolis and Member, Mission Valley Country Club of Venice, FL.
He received many awards and citations including: the Maynard K. Hine Medal (1996), awarded by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) to individuals who have made unique and significant contributions to the campus and its alumni program, the Distinguished Alumni Award, IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law (1986) and recognized for exceptional achievements and service to the legal community. He received the 50-Year Practitioner Recognition, Indianapolis Bar Association (2010) where he was honored for five decades of dedicated legal practice. The Honorable Paul H. Buchanan Jr. Award of Excellence in 1990 as well as an Honorary Ph.D. awarded by Marian University in 2002.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Helene Henn; his sons Matthew Henn (Jane), Edward Henn and Frederic Henn (Denise); and his daughter Claire Henn. Gene is also survived by grandchildren Nicholas, Kathleen and Hannah as well as brothers Vincent (Connie) and Robert (Karen).
Gene was preceded in death by his father Carl Henn and his mother Valeda Henn; his brother Carl Henn, Jr. (Polly); his brother Joseph Henn (Ann); his brother Richard Henn (Marilyn); his brother James Henn; his brother John Henn (Patricia); his sister Margaret Earl (Kenneth); his brother Anthony Henn (Mary); his brother Paul Henn (Joann) and his brother Patrick Henn (Josephine).
Those who knew Gene well, know that golf was his passion. He shot his age a number of times and also had a hole-in-one on his lifetime score card. He also played tennis regularly. He loved taking daily walks at a nice brisk pace and he always made time to stop and talk with his neighbors.
After retirement, he and Helene became snowbirds in Venice, FL where they owned a lovely beachside condo.
Visitation for Gene will be held Monday, May 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7575 E Holliday Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46260, followed by Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gene's memory may be made to Marian University, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222 US, https://www.marian.edu/give-to-marian/journey-to-2030/; and St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1201 E. Maryland Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 US, https://www.svdpindy.org/.
