Paul Frederick Henry

Paul Frederick Henry of Metropolis, died Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Virginia (Keys) Henry and five of his siblings: Luke Francis Henry, Jr; Charles Patrick Henry; Michael Shawn Henry; John Joseph Henry; and Patricia Lane Henry; and his wife (2002-2010), Shirley Kay (DeVault) Henry.

He is survived by his former wife (1973-2001), Susan Lassy, and their two children, Kelly (Henry) Maurer (Matt) of Metropolis, Illinois and John Paul Henry (Emily) of Lawrence, Kansas; two siblings: Elizabeth R Eastman of Woodbridge, Virginia; and Mark S. Henry of Altadena, California; five grandchildren: Andrew, Luke, Zachary Maurer, Frederick and Hugh Henry, and his special companion, Judy Neill.

He is also survived by nieces, Katrina (Henry) Cohen, and Althea Henry; and nephews, Colin Henry, Brandon Henry, Brian Eastman, Shawn Eastman, Hyperion Henry, David (Weeks) Murray and Kevin Weeks; and his many extended family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Paul was born in Des Moines, Iowa on Nov. 15, 1950, the second of eight children that blessed the Henry household. From the very beginning, he made his presence known; that never changed.

Paul's personality was larger than life; he was intense, passionate, intelligent, determined, a person of integrity and faith, and love. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. He was a mountain man at heart. This passion took him to the peak of Mount Rainier as a young man, to the remote lakes in the Canadian Northwest Territories in pursuit of legendary lake trout (and somehow always getting bigger), on hunts for bull elk in the Wind River Range, Wyoming, and pulling giant salmon out of Alaskan tributaries.

Through his various adventures, he became the ultimate storyteller. For all who knew him, you know how he could weave a tale and take pleasure in acting out his tales with hearty laughter and shenanigans. He loved to watch a good movie and would loudly narrate his favorite passages and even act them out – while the movie was playing - in case you didn't catch what was going on yourself!

Paul graduated from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, and from Southern Illinois University Law School. He was a devoted attorney and practiced law in his Metropolis offices and the courtrooms of southern Illinois for 46 years. Paul took great pride in his legal profession and never shied away from difficult cases and defending his clients in the courtroom if necessary.

Paul was an Elks Lodge 1428 member for many years, loved public service, and enjoyed hosting dinners at the Elks. His specialty was cooking and serving steak dinners and he enjoyed the spirit of community gathering. His warmth and sense of humor could light up a room and that will always stay with us.

Paul was a devout Catholic and prided himself in delivering readings at services. He was a member at St. Rose of Lima Parish. He loved his family dearly, and would want his life to be celebrated, not mourned.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Metropolis. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass.

Paul will be interred, near other family members, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manassas, Virginia, in a private family ceremony at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Massac Youth Sports Association of Metropolis, IL. Make checks to "MCYBSA" at PO Box 1058, Metropolis, IL 62960 or visit massacyouthsport.com. Contributions may also be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 315 E 3rd St, Metropolis, IL 62960; or Metropolis Elks Lodge, 104 West 4th Street, Metropolis, Illinois 62960.

The family has entrusted his final care to Loftus-McManus Funeral Home.