Donald Ray Henry

Donald Ray Henry of Pasadena, Texas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on August 26, 1943, in Houston, Texas, to Donald O. Henry and Ruth Willine Henry (Drinkwater).

A Life of Faith, Family, Creativity, and Love

Donald Ray Henry will be remembered as a quiet, kind, and loving man whose life was marked by his deep faith in God, devotion to his family, and extraordinary artistic talent. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Don touched the lives of many through his gentle spirit, warm sense of humor, and willingness to help others.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Armed Forces as a Specialist Fourth Class (SP4). During his military service, he was stationed in New Jersey, where he used his artistic talents as an illustrator. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving his country in the Army Reserves.

Art was not simply Don's profession; it was a lifelong passion and a gift he generously shared with others. Following his military service, Don worked alongside Jack Amuny at Art City in Houston, Texas, for approximately three years. In 1976, he and his friend and business partner, Bob Peretti, established Henry & Peretti, a commercial art studio. Together, they built a successful business that operated until 1992.

Throughout his artistic career, Don's creativity found expression in many forms, including painting, illustration, graphic design, advertising, and commercial artwork. His work contributed to Houston's creative landscape, and his artistic abilities left a lasting impression on those who had the opportunity to work with him.

In the late 1980s, Don began a new chapter in real estate, a career he continued until his retirement. Yet retirement never meant setting aside his love of art. He continued creating beautiful paintings, handcrafted figurines, and intricately painted duck decoys, finding joy and fulfillment in the creativity that had been part of his life for so many years.

Above all, Don was a man of strong Christian faith. He loved the Lord and sought to live a life that reflected his beliefs. He faithfully served his church as a deacon at South Main Baptist Pasadena and as president of The Gideons International. His faith was more than words; it was demonstrated through his actions, his kindness toward others, and his desire to serve those in need. Whether through his church involvement, offering a helping hand, or placing a Bible into the hands of someone who needed encouragement, Don quietly shared God's love with those around him.

Don also had a wonderful, dry sense of humor that brought laughter and friendship into his life. He had a special way of connecting with people, and those who knew him will remember his warmth, generosity, and genuine heart.

While Don's artistic accomplishments were many, his greatest legacy will always be the love he shared with his family, the friendships he nurtured, and the faith he lived each day.

Don will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the beauty he created, the kindness he showed, and the love he gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

His life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, and creativity; a masterpiece that will never be forgotten.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Janis Goodman, brother-in-law, Harry Goodman Jr.; and his mother and father-in-law, Goldean and Jesse Leonard Straughan.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Henry, his children, April Ferrell and Brandon Henry and their spouses, Anthony Ferrell and Charla Henry. He also leaves behind a niece, Dawn Boudreaux, and nephews, Chris Goodman and Gary Goodman.

Donald was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Alyssa Ferrell, Audrey Ferrell, Stormy Henry, Haley Osborne, and one great granddaughter, Adaline Osborne.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, 11:00 am at South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena, TX