Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Henry Obituary
Born on November 8, 1951 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Tom was the second child of Jerome F. and Marganelle (Applegate) Henry. He was a 1970 graduate of Central Catholic High School and received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne. Stationed in Africa, Tom proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1973. He served in the US Army Reserves until 1977.
Tom was a member of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion Post 82 – Fort Wayne.
As Mayor, Tom's accomplishments are too numerous to fully detail. He was proud of each project that moved Fort Wayne forward. His vision shaped the skyline, the waterways and the neighborhoods that make Fort Wayne a truly livable city. Most notable are the completion of Harrison Square, the Ash Skyline Plaza, the Dr. Martin Luther King Bridge, the Veteran's Memorial Bridge, the trail system, and of course, the Riverfront Development, which led to the creation of Promenade Park, the second phase of which is underway.
Tom was a statesman. He was best known for his diplomacy, his willingness to work across any aisle, and for his team building - all of which resulted in the Fort Wayne we know and love today.
Of his many achievements, his greatest reward was in the life he built with his wife, Cindy (Kocks), whom he wed on June 21, 1975. Together, they raised their son, Benjamin Jerome, and daughter, Elizabeth Anne. Theirs was an extraordinary love, and where Cindy was, Tom was never far behind. It is somehow fitting then that Cindy preceded Tom in death on January 20, 2024.
A true visionary and lifelong public servant, Tom lived by the tenets of the West Point maxim: Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.
We believe he would ask us to best honor him by living the same way.
Tom was preceded in death by his cherished wife Cindy, his parents, Jerome and Marganelle, and his brother, Timothy. Surviving are his children, Benjamin J. Henry and Elizabeth A. Guevara; grandchildren, Anastasia and Nikolas Henry and Alexandria and Angelina Guevara; brothers, Jerome F. Henry, Jr. (Becky), Anthony (Susan), Erik (Courtney Tritch), Matthew (Anne), Martin (Vicki), Kurt (Teresa), Karl, Louis (Brenda), and Christopher (Carolyn); sisters, Paula (Bill) Bentley, Andrea (Ramon) Navarro, Denise (Bill) Wenzel, Sonya Witte (Dave Herport) Lisa (Mark) Canada, and Jessica (Nate) Henry-Johnson; mother-in-law, Martha M. Kocks-Hamrick; siblings-in-law, Kevin, Barry, Scott (Amy), and Mark Kocks and Angela Kocks-Schmidt; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; a devoted staff of both city and campaign workers (including his beloved nephew, Adam Henry) and an entire community of colleagues and citizens, in whom he believed with all his heart.
The family asks that, despite our collective broken heart, we all carry forth the work begun by Tom. He laid a foundation on which we will continue to build the City of Fort Wayne. May we all be inspired by his legacy of treating others with dignity and respect. For that is what made Tom so special.
The Mass of Christian Resurrection will be celebrated Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1105 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. in the church. Visitation is also from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 and Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Allen County Courthouse. Interment in Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements through Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fort Wayne Children's Choir (fwcchoir.org) or by mail to 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. Ft. Wayne, IN 46805 or Humane Fort Wayne (humanefw.org) or by mail to 4914 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne, IN 46806.
Share fond memories and condolences at DivineMercyFuneralHome.com ......................
Please note: Those wishing to pay their respects to the Mayor and his family at the courthouse must use the North entrance at 100 E. Main Street only. Florists will need to make deliveries via the West entrance at 715 S. Calhoun St.
Divine Mercy staff will be present to assist. Please direct any questions you may have to the funeral home at (260) 426-2044.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Henry
Ieasha Warfield
August 5, 2024
I'm am very Greatful Thank You Heavenly Father I will always hold you in my heart! Respectfully Yours Ieasha R. Warfield
Kerry McLaughlin
June 3, 2024
I know Tom will be missed by most who knew him. We became friends back in the early 80s when I got to know of his character and positive outlook. Though we were of different political stripes, I would have voted for him knowing his ability to address issues as they were, not how most people viewed them through a political lens. I respected him and I will miss him. Vaya con Dios!
Michelle Mercer
April 12, 2024
To The Henry Family:
Just want to express my deepest sympathy to you in the passing of Mayor Tom Henry. It is clear Mayor Tom Henry loved his community. His vision and efforts in business and economic development and quality of life efforts will live on in Fort Wayne.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Michelle C. Mercer
Evansville City Councilwoman at Large 2016-2019
Current resident Fort Wayne
Joan Roberts-Maher
April 10, 2024
I knew Cindy as a great coworker at LS Ayres, Glenbrook, for a year or so and recall her infectious smile and great humor! She was always so fun to work with but we got the job done!
We shared family stories as I had just become a new mom for the 2nd time. She talked of her Tom then but I had no idea what an absolute treasure he was then and for the next 50 years or so.
Growing up in FW as Catholics, and raising my family in FW , there´s hardly a way to not know who some of the Henry family are! Or was!
I got to meet Tom just recently as I paused after St. Francis chapel mass one day, to share my memory of Cindy, his wife, and offer my sincere condolences. I wanted to hug the man but decided it may not be proper. He´s a true leader, and legend in many ways . He will be
Sorely missed , as we all mourn and pray to pass through the shock and grief stages.
Many prayers for all the Henry Families .
Peace and Light
Joan F. Roberts Maher
And family
Pam Friend Bradford
April 10, 2024
Lived down the street from the Henry's when they lived across the street from Precious Blood School. It was a very hot summer night, and I stepped out on our front porch. There sound asleep was a little boy. I got my Dad and he said that must be one of the Henry's with all that red hair. My Dad picked him up and still sound asleep, Dad carried him to the Henry household. We knocked on the door and Mr. Henry answered .Dad told Mr. Henry we found this child on our front porch. Mr. Henry looked and said ,"Oh, that is Tom. I didn't even know he was missing." Dad and I were laughing all the way back to our home. I left Fort Wayne after college but was back very often with family and North Side High School gatherings. Since Tom Henry became Mayor, I have been so thrilled with all he has accomplished in Fort Wayne. It is no wonder that the city has been recognized as one of the best places to move and live. Tom will be so missed. Thank you Tom Henry. Pam Friend Bradford
Pilling Family
April 9, 2024
Henry family is a wonderful family with the true meaning of family. Are hearts our sadden with the passing of both Cindy & Tom. They will never be forgotten and we have lots of wonderful memories.. God Bless the family and know we are all hear with a listening ear and loving heart if needed.. Gary Pilling Family!!
Theresa Haneline
April 7, 2024
I met Tom Henry many years ago when he was with Midwest Healthnet. He gave me some good career advice. As busy as he was, he took time to meet with me and even gave me a referral to another individual that might also help give me advice. You have left an indelible mark in this world. You will be greatly missed. Hope to bump into you and Cindy in Heaven some day. Condolences to his family.
Debera Smith, MS, LSW, CCFC
April 7, 2024
I worked with Mayor Tom's father many years ago. To the Henry family my sincere thoughts and prayers at this time. A fellow Army Veteran and a great family man. He will be missed.
Linda L Lallow
April 6, 2024
Remembering Tom as the mayor that rebuilt downtown, and worked to get people involved in their neighborhoods again. He will be missed as a nice man, and a good leader, that really cared for our city. My sympathy to his family.
Linda (Panyard) Cherry
April 6, 2024
My deepest sympathy to all of the Henry family. Like his mom and dad, Tom cared about others and the community. His entire family hold special memories and fondness in my mind, from days at PB. May Angel Tom now rest in God's loving embrace, as he watches over all of you from Heaven.
Ginny Wyman
April 6, 2024
May you RIP! You were a good mayor. Ginny
Ed Klotz
April 6, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Henry's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Henry
Apr
12
Funeral services provided by:
Divine Mercy Funeral Home - Fort Wayne3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Henry's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
