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Harley Hale Henry 1925 - 2005

HENRY, OBRIEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/4/2019 at 18:45:36

Onawa Democrat
9 November 2005

It gives me great pain to pass along the news of the death of another member of "America's Greatest Generation" Harley Hale Henry, a graduate of Onawa High School, Class of "43.” Harley's beloved wife of 57 years called me to pass along the sad news of Harley's passing. He was born in Thurston, Nebraska to Ernest and Lola Henry on June 16th, 1925 making him 80 years of age at the time of departure, October 11th, 2005. In between, he lived a full, productive and happy life with a wonderful family.

Harley, or Hank, as some called him, lived most of hi adolescent life in Onawa where he was an excellent student, fine athlete, and most popular member of the Class of '43 and the student body. As a pre-teen, he joined me in selling soda pop to truckers during the summer at both of Onawa's grain elevators and selling caramel corn at our stand at the County Fair. We also mowed lawn's raked leaves, sold pop bottles and just about anything and everything else to make a few dimes during those depression days. In his later teens Harley worked/clerked at the Council Oak Store. And I suspect there are some who remember Harley carrying out grocery orders to their car. During the summer of '42 he worked at the stinking Jerpe Produce Plant and I will long remember his coming to the school orientation, in the school gym during Superintendent Wisensee's welcoming speech with his Jerpe work clothes on. Needless to say, Harley was the only one sitting in the front row... and Wisensee gave him a wide berth also. Picking scalded chickens in hot summer weather isn't exactly fun, but Jerpe's paid more than the local grocery stores did at that time.

In high school, Harley was a great T-formation quarterback during our Junior year. The T-formation was a new innovation being used in Professional Football and the Onawa Coach, Bill Gutches adopted and installed it. But, unfortunately, WW-II brought on coaching changes and a depleted football squad in our senior year which assured a losing season in '42. Harley then decided to join his parents and family in Marysville, CA where they had recently moved to contribute to the War effort. He completed his senior year at Marysville and transferred his credits back to Onawa so he could graduate with the Class of '43. Shortly thereafter, Harley joined the Marine Corps and was sent to The Marine Corps Base in San Diego, CA for basic training. Completing boot camp, Harley was accepted for training in communications at the Base where I again met up with him for a good visit.

Harley served honorably with distinction with the 6th Marine Division and took part in the invasion of Okinawa. As most will remember, the Okinawa action was one of most bloody and difficult campaigns in the entire Pacific Theater. The enemy had made the entire island a fortification to repel an expected invasion of Japan's mainland. As Harley left the Marine Corps a Corporal, he wore the Marine Marksman Medal, The Presidential Unit Citation, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon, The American Theater campaign Ribbon. The U.S. Navy Occupation Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, and the WW-II Victory Medal. In addition, Alice has been informed that Harley earned and will receive 2 more medals posthumously. He was honorably discharged on December 26th, 1945 which proved to be a timely Christmas present to his family that he re-joined in Marysville.

After leaving the service Harley put his communication skills to good use by going to work for the Pacific Bell Telephone Co. Fortunately for California's most eligible bachelor, he met California's most eligible woman, Alice O'Brien, a recent transplant from Barnesville, Ohio in 1948 and married her after an intense 3-month courtship. And, for those of us who have been fortunate enough to know her, this event was to change Harley forever, FOR BETTER, to be sure. She even started calling him "Hal" and he liked it.

In 1952 the Henry's moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Harley transferred to the Ohio Bell Telephone Co. and then on to Columbus, Ohio two years later. Harley remained with the Bell System in Ohio (later re-named Ameritech) for 39 years which made him a member of The Telephone Pioneers of America. Harley and Alice wasted no time in starting a family: Becky (Dave) Jahn, Cheri (Jim) Agin, Steve (Denise) Henry, Brian (Barb) Henry, Tami and Tom Henry. All except Tom, who lives in Sheridan, WY lives in close proximity in Ohio. They were further blessed with 9 grandchildren and yes, 7 great grandchildren! In addition to the above, Harley is survived by 2 brothers, Donald (Clarice) and Robert (Rosa Marie) and two sisters, June (Henry) Roesner, and Patty (Henry) Brown. Preceding him in death 2 brothers, Lee (Judy) and Willard (Allie) and 2 sisters Doris (Corky) Triplet!, and Ruth (Bud) Wallace.

In conclusion, Harley will always be remembered as a true friend, a kind and gentle man who loved his family, his community and his Country...A class act and a GREAT GUY! We truly enjoyed our quintenial Class Reunions with Harley and Alice (who became an Honorary Member of the class during her first reunion). Harley requested that his remains be donated to the Medical College of Ohio State University in hopes of contributing to further research for terminal diseases.

Those wishing to send a memorial to honor Harley may do so by sending a contribution to the Monona County Veterans Museum, Onawa, IA. Condolences may be sent to Alice Henry, 2548 Spaatz Ave. Columbus, Ohio.

Respectfully submitted John M. Rope


 

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