St. Clair County Obits

RUSSELL EUGENE “GENE” MCHENRY

Clinton Daily Democrat
6 November 2002
Russell Eugene McHenry, son of Russell E. and Ruth E. (Lam) McHenry, was born May 10, 1928, in Iola, Kansas. He died November 2, 2002, in Bella Vista, Arkansas, at 74 years of age. Gene was a Merchant Marine, later joining the U.S. Navy, retiring after 23 years of service as Chief Machinist Mate.
Following his retirement from the Navy, he was employed by San Diego Gas and Power co. Gene and Setsuko Ito were united in marriage in Japan in 1967. The McHenry family moved to Clinton where Gene worked for Kansas City Power & Light Co. at the Montrose Station. They later moved to Appleton City. Gene started the fifth and sixth grade little league football program sponsored by the AC optimist Club in 1978, coaching until 1997. He also was active in the Optimists baseball and softball program. He also coached and traveled with his son, Terry, to motocross races.
Mr. McHenry was a member of the Appleton City city council from 1994 through 1996, serving as Mayor ProTem for part of his term. During his term he was active in working to have the streets repaved instead of just being patched. He also worked on the Community Development Block Grant to upgrade the sewer system.
Gene was a member of the Appleton City VFW Post #11242 and the Masonic Lodge #412 AF&AM, York and Scottish Rite. He became a member of the Ararat Shrine in 1988, belonging to the following units of Shrine: Legion of Honor, the Color Guard and Drill Team, Ararat Shrine Provost, Golden Valley Shrine Club, Shrine Club Ambassador District VI, and the Transportation Shrine Club.
Gene spent many hours traveling, collecting donations for the circus and performing in parades for the Shrine. He earned more than 20 Crown Jewels through his service. In April 2002 Gene was presented with a citation of honor for distinguished service to the Shriners. Gene always strived to make the world a better place in which to live.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife and one son, Terrence Eugene.
Survivors include one son, Daniel Eugene McHenry of Chula Vista, California; two sisters, Janice and husband, Paul Smith of Bella, Vista, Arkansas, and Donna and husband, Art Conway of Amarillo, Texas; two grandchildren, Sierra and Daniel McHenry of Chula Vista, California, and four nephews and three nieces. Funeral services were Tuesday, November 5, 11 a.m. at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City. Masonic service was conducted by the Appleton City Lodge #412 AF&AM. Ararat Shrine service was conducted by Legion of Honor Rose Ceremony. Ministers were Pastor John Ketcher and Rev. Frank Claiborne. Pallbearers were David Strauch, Timothy Smith, Don Payton, Paul Smith, Jay Whitesell and Michael Kramer. Burial was in Appleton City Cemetery. Military graveside service was conducted by Appleton City VFW Post #11242.