Leonard Edward Henry

He met the love of his life, Sharon, at a school picnic — and married her on June 14, 1960. Together they raised three daughters — Tamme, Sherrie, and Kerri. Leonard’s proudest achievements were his children and grandchildren, and, surprisingly to no one who heard him tell the story, buying not one but two houses. He was proud of what he accomplished with his eighth-grade education.

Leonard loved the simple pleasures: watching Larry’s Country Kitchen and shouting answers at Family Feud, making trips to Branson, Missouri for the Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City, and returning to Nebraska to visit family and longtime friends. His faith and fellowship were pillars of his life — he found joy and comfort in God, going to church and in attending southern gospel concerts. He enjoyed going fishing, playing cards, and playing checkers.

He was a people person in the truest sense. Leonard remembered everyone’s face — if not their actual name. Girls were “Susie,” boys were “George,” and when asked his own name at the hospital, he’d grin and answer, “George Makilacutty” just to keep everyone on their toes. A devoted jokester, he delighted in making people laugh and will be fondly remembered teasing personality.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lydia Henry, and his brothers Donny and Elmer. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters and sons-in-laws; Tamme and AJ Benzing, Sherrie and Duane Booth, and Kerri and Jason Bollin; grandchildren Kristina Gunther, Matthew Booth, Mackenzie Bollin, Amanda Izzo, Trevor Bollin, and Mason Bollin; his brother Harold Henry; and many nieces and nephews.

We’ll miss his jokes, his stories, and his uncanny ability to make everyone feel like an old friend. In true Leonard fashion, feel free to call everyone “Susie” or “George” when you forget their name — he’d get a kick out of it.