Clifford “Hank” Wayne Henry, Sr. and, Carol Ann Henry

A funeral service for Lt Col. Clifford “Hank” Wayne Henry, Sr., 85, will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. An inurnment will be held at Rose-Neath Cemetery at a later date. Officiating the service will be Miles Holladay and Reverend Kelly Berne of Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City.

In loving memory of my father, who peacefully passed away to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Hank was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 2, 1939. Hank was the younger of two children to Louis LaVerne and Thelma Olivia Gardner Henry. Inspired by flight since childhood, he penned a second-grade essay imagining life as a pilot, foreshadowing the path he would ultimately take.

At West Phoenix High School, Hank stood out as both a scholar and an athlete, winning the State Championship in wrestling. His free time was spent hunting with his father and uncles, lifting weights, and racing with the Stag drag club. After graduation and time in college, he briefly boxed with Golden Gloves before pursuing his true calling: aviation.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1959 and was commissioned the following year. As a B-52 Stratofortress pilot in the Strategic Air Command, Hank completed 150 missions over Vietnam. His distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal—along with over a dozen additional commendations for valor, excellence, and readiness, including the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Campaign Medal. His final assignment before retiring was serving as the 2nd Security Police Squadron Commander at Barksdale Air Force Base. He retired after 20 years of service in July of 1979. That same month, he married Carol Ann—the love of his life—marking the beginning of a beautiful new chapter both in and beyond uniform.

In recognition of his continued commitment to service and community, Hank was also a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of America, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

Hank married Nanci Ann Gardner in 1961, and together they raised two children, Caryn Sue and Clifford Wayne Jr. Later in life, he met Carol at a spirited football party. She cheered for the Cowboys, and he for the Saints. That playful rivalry sparked a connection that quickly deepened into a true partnership, filled with laughter, dedication, and unwavering love.

Hank and Carol went on to own and operate Henry’s Bridal and Formal Wear, along with a florist shop where Carol had worked before their courtship began. They poured their hearts into the business and continued until their retirement in 2009. More than business partners, they were best friends and soulmates, inseparable in every chapter of their story. In a final, breathtaking testament to their bond, Carol passed away just hours after Hank—two lives so intertwined, they could not bear to be apart.

Lt. Col. Hank Henry will be remembered as a decorated officer, a devoted husband and father, a spirited entrepreneur, and a man who lived with courage, loyalty, and boundless heart.

A funeral service honoring Carol Ann Henry, 86, will be held alongside her beloved husband, Lt. Col. Clifford “Hank” Wayne Henry, Sr., on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., with inurnment to follow at a later date at Rose-Neath Cemetery. Officiating the service will be Miles Holladay and Reverend Kelly Berne of Asbury United Methodist Church.

Carol Ann Henry, 86, went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, June 25, 2025—just hours after the passing of her beloved husband, Hank—a final act of devotion in a lifelong love story that spanned decades. She was born on October 8, 1938, in Cleburne, Texas, and grew up in the small town of Blum, where she graduated from Blum High School. After high school, Carol went to North Texas State College. She met and married Bob Key, and they had two sons, Robert Key and Kris Key.

Carol was a resilient and resourceful woman. As a single mother raising two boys, she worked as a telephone operator to support her family, doing whatever was needed to give them stability and love. Her strength and grace laid the foundation for a life filled with service, creativity, and connection.

In July of 1979, Carol married Hank Henry, just before his retirement from the United States Air Force. Together, they built a life of shared purpose and warmth, owning and operating Henry’s Bridal and Formal Wear and a flower shop in Shreveport. Carol’s artistry bloomed through her work as a gifted seamstress and florist, bringing beauty and care to everything she touched.

Her faith guided her daily, and she found deep joy in service. Carol was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully for many years as the church’s Wedding Director and volunteered for countless charity events with tireless energy. She was also a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, where she served as chapter president, cultivating friendships that spanned decades.

Carol had a magnetic spirit; she never met a stranger, and she never shied away from a conversation. Together, Carol and Hank loved nothing more than spending time watching their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events and supporting them with their whole hearts. She was a dear friend, a devoted mother-in-law, and someone who was lovingly called "Mom.” Her quiet strength, ready smile, and nurturing presence will be missed by so many of us.

Together, Carol and Hank were preceded in death by their parents and their beloved son, Kris Key. Hank was also preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Ann Henry Corbett.

Left to cherish their memory are their children, Robert Key and wife, Gloria, Caryn Sue Henry Maxey and her partner, Gwen, and Hank Henry, Jr. and wife, Nora. They were proud grandparents to Kerri Pierce, Kasey Alford, Patrick Bequette, McKenzie Wilder, Tyler Key, Mathew LaBorde, Cristyn Maxey, David Maxey, Jr., and Nick Henry, and "Mimi" and "Granddad" to eleven great-grandchildren who brought them boundless joy, along with Carol’s brother, Tommy Hester and wife, Kathy; nephews, Ricky and Keith Hester, and niece, Shavon Vidler.

Also surviving are Hank’s nieces, Cindy Corbett Cohen, Pamela Corbett, Carrie Boyles, and GiGi Corbett Palmer, along with numerous extended family members and cherished friends who will carry their memory forward with love and gratitude.

The family would like to express special thanks to Tammy Sattler and Kasey Alford for the care and compassion shown. They would also like to thank their caregivers, who took such loving care of them: Rosetta, Reese, Mecia, Ashley, and Brenda.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National DAV at dav.org or to the Louisiana DAV at davdol.org.