Durward Henry, 82, of Nacogdoches, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 21 in Winnsboro, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, located at 411 North Street, with burial to follow in Dallas, Texas, at Restland Cemetery, located at 13005 Greenville Hwy., at 4:30 p.m. The memorial service will be officiated by Dr. Allen Reed, pastor of First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, and Bro. Frank Robertson of Huntsville, Texas. The graveside service will be officiated by Durward’s step-grandson, Chris Boddy, of Tyler, Texas.
Durward was born August 22, 1929 in Wellington, Texas, to Earl and Esther Henry.
After graduating from high school, he joined the Marine Corp and served his country, spending 2 years in the South Pacific during the Korean Conflict. He was a Military Police. He then earned his CPCU in Dallas, TX, while working Commercial Insurance, and worked in this profession until his retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Mary Stark Henry of Nacogdoches; a son, David Henry and wife Dalys of Austin; a daughter, Sharon Curry and husband David of Dallas; a belated grandson, Brian Curry, a granddaughter, Rebeka Henry of Austin, and a granddaughter, Vanessa Binns of Las Vegas, NV, and a great-grandson, Brendan Curry of Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jo Henry of Tyler, Texas.
Additionally, he is survived by his step-children, Sherry Braden and husband Rick of Nacogdoches, Scotty Stark and wife Sandra of Quitaque, Texas, Randy Stark and wife Linda of Quitaque, Texas; 7 step-grandchildren; and 9 step-great-grandchildren.
Durward served as a Deacon for many years in the Baptist church. He was currently an active member of First Baptist, where he sang in the Celebration Choir for many years, as well as the Senior Adult Choir. He coached Little League and Pony League baseball for many years, and he traveled yearly with his son, David, to the College World Series Baseball Tournament. He was also an avid supporter of all collegiate sports, in particular, sports of the University of Texas. He also loved going to his 3rd-generation farm in Winnsboro, TX, where it became his hobby to maintain the farm-house and the land there. Additionally, he was an avid gardener and woodworker. He was working on the farm he loved when he was involved in a farming accident there on Saturday, July 21, which led to his death.
Durward was respected and loved by his family and a host of friends that he had made for many years. He set a wonderful example of what the picture of living a Godly life should be, and will live on as a testimony of faithfulness to the Lord to all of those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be missed immensely and memories of his life will be a treasured gift.
The Bible promises that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us, and it is the family’s belief that the Lord was certainly with him in death, as He is now in Durward’s heavenly home.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches. Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.
