Gary Dean Henry

1932 - 2012

Gary Dean Henry was born September 17, 1932 in Burnet, Texas to Chester Henry and Fannie Jennings Henry, and passed away July 19, 2012. He graduated from High School in Lampasas, Texas and then entered the Air Force where he became a registered x-ray technician. After leaving the service, he worked at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas while completing his BS and Masters Degrees at Texas State University. Over the years he continued his education at Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Tarleton State University and East Texas State where he was also a guest professor for several summer terms. He taught and held administrative positions in Mineral Wells, Texas where he retired after 30 years of service.
He married Ann AuBuchon of Lampasas, Texas on August 31, 1956 and they became a life long team. Always involved with their two daughters in 4-H, church and school activities.
They moved to their beloved ranch, Sugarloaf Hills at Stephenville, Texas in 1981 where for 20 years they raised and showed many champion Longhorn cattle. Gary was also an international cattle judge. Many will remember him breaking Longhorn steers to ride. He and his favorite steer Bubba made many appearances nation wide.
He was a renowned artist being named 1st alternate for the Texas State Artist of the year in 1978. His bronze castings are proudly displayed in many homes and have been used extensively for show trophies.
He and Ann retired to Ruidoso in 2001 where he immediately became active in the Noon Lions Club receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow award. He was a charter member of the Mountain Top Turners and the Alto Artists Studio Tour. A member of the Presbyterian Church, he was an elder for many years.
He is survived by his wife Ann, two daughters, Leah Henry Cash and son-in-law Charles Cash of Ruidoso, Melinda Martin and Donnie Chavez of Belen, NM, granddaughter Katherine Ann Martin a student at Tarleton State University, and brother Charles Henry and wife Helen, of Austin, Texas.
Gary will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but he has left much love and joy in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Ruidoso, Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ruidoso or the Ruidoso Valley Noon Lion's Club.