John Henry

John William Henry, a true native son of Coshocton County, born on April 27, 1927, has gone on to his richly deserved heavenly reward on Tuesday, April 23…four days prior to his 97th birthday.

His first and second wives, Virginia A. (Shryock) Henry and Miriam R. (Esselburn) Henry, respectively, preceded him in death, along with son John M. Henry. Surviving children include Marcella A. Burris (Coshocton), Mark D. Henry (Lexington, Ky), and Timothy L. Henry (Denver, Co.), along with four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was one of 11 children born to Mona Belle (West) and Ralph W. Henry. Siblings preceding him in death include brothers James, Herbert, Leo, and Donnis; and sisters Mildred Brillhart, Wanda Mellor, Dorothy Shroyer, Donna Roberts, and Betty Howell. Surviving is brother Joseph.

Shortly after his 17th birthday in May 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and quickly joined the war in the Pacific. During frequent engagements that included the 82-day battle of Okinawa, the teenager faced daily life and death combat situations from his twin 20mm anti-aircraft weapon post while battling the Japanese air forces and their infamous kamikaze pilots. He observed his 18th birthday standing in his forward gun well surrounded by bombs, bullets, and shrapnel.

After marrying in 1948 at age 20, he became a born-again Christian in 1951 -- staying a faithful servant of God and a member of the Coshocton Church of the Nazarene for 73 years. For many years, he served as the church’s song leader as well as a traveling song evangelist known throughout Ohio and beyond for his rich baritone voice and unique, inspiring vocal style.

There will be a graveside service at Coshocton’s South Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, April 25 starting at 3:30 p.m. where military honors will be conducted by the Coshocton County Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. All are welcome to attend and join in the service to say hail and farewell to this member of the Greatest Generation…and exemplary warfighter for God and Country.

“And I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever.”