Joseph Carl Henney

Joseph Carl Henney, born May 6, 1945, passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2025, after a long illness, at the age of 80.

Joe grew up in Mansfield, Ohio, and graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1963. Shortly after, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as part of the Strategic Air Command, where he served with the Elite Guard and in the Air Police. His time in service was something he cherished deeply, and the bonds he created remained an important part of his life. In 2021, Joe was honored to travel to Washington, D.C., with the Honor Flight program for veterans, an experience made possible after being nominated by his granddaughter Lilly. That trip was a highlight of his later years and a reminder of the deep gratitude he felt for his time in service and the people who supported him.

Following his military service, Joe worked for the United McGill Corporation for many years before his retirement. He also served his community on the Harlem Township Zoning Board, where he gave his time generously and made lifelong friends.

Joe enjoyed life on his farm (Flat Bush Farms), where he loved to build, repair, create, and tinker with anything he could get his hands on. He was also an avid woodworker in his later years. Joe served for many years as a 4-H advisor, helping to guide and encourage young people, and he was an active member of the Ohio POA Club, where he shared his love of horses through countless shows and events, creating cherished memories for his children. Joe also had a passion for deer hunting, especially at his daughter’s farm in Wayne County.

Above all, Joe was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who found his greatest joy in time spent with his children and especially his grandchildren, whom he cherished dearly. Whether cheering them on, sharing stories, or simply being present, Joe’s pride and love for his family shone through in everything he did.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Frank (Fritz) Henney and Mary Jane Henney (Armstrong), and his brother, John Henney.

Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Ruth (Hartman) Henney; his children, Chris and Beth Henney of Bexley, Sarah and Chad Zimmerly of Shreve, Mike Henney of Centerburg and Stephanie Taylor of Radnor, and Scott and Ashley Henney of Earlville, Iowa, and Gahanna, Ohio. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Lilly Henney, Makayla Henney, Shelby Taylor, Tyler Zimmerly, Jenna Zimmerly, Aidan Henney, Patrick Henney, Kallyn Henney, Royce Henney, Cali Parsons, and Rhett Henney.

He will also be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, and the fact that he never met a stranger. Those fortunate enough to know him will carry forward the lessons he taught through the way he lived his life—with warmth, humor, and gratitude.

Visitation hours will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, and the funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, both at Harlem Road Church (5520 Harlem Road, Galena, OH 43021).

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to

Harlem Township Firefighters Association      3883 South State Route 605      Galena, OH 43021

Honor Flight Columbus       PO Box 20133 Columbus, OH 43220   (or see below)

The Parkinson’s Foundation www.parkinson.org