Henry A McFarland

Henry Allen McFarland passed August 18, 2025. Born January 26, 1931, to William M. and Dovey Ethel McFarland in Balkin, Ky.

Henry moved to Ohio at the age of 17 and began his lifelong work with The Southern Baptist Home Misson Board while working for Frigidaire in Dayton, Ohio. At the age of 18 he married his wife of 40 years, Anna Ruth DeRossett. Together they started many new churches in the Dayton area. Upon retiring from Frigidaire, he and Anna moved to Nokomis, Florida, where he continued their mission work. With Anna's passing he eventually remarried to Barbara (Bobbie) Simmons. With Bobbie by his side, he became a member of Sonrise Baptist church in Englewood, Florida. Throughout his adult life he served as Deacon, Music Director, Sunday School Director and many other positions as needed. Henry planted many seeds that brought others to know Jesus as their savior. He was known as Papaw to not only his grandchildren, but to many other children, who are now adults. He is loved and respected by so many.

Henry is proceeded in death by his wife Anna McFarland, his parents, his sisters, Opal, Ruth and AnnaLee; his brothers, Robert, William, Claude, and David; a daughter Sharon and a grandson Travis.

He is survived by his wife Barbara (Bobbie), his daughters: Emma McFarland, Donna Geising, Sheila Speed all of Port Charlotte, Florida, daughter Tammy (Jeff) Firestine of Venice, Florida, sons Jason (Sarah) McFarland of Tampa, Florida, and James Dobbins of Alabama, a Nephew/Godson Harold McFarland (Beverly) of Venice, Florida, a Godson Robert (Jerolyn) Mallicoat of Orlando, Florida, 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Because of Henry's love and concern for the well-being of children, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Florida Baptist Children's Home (fbchome.org) or any children's home.