William Paul Henry

William Paul Henry "Bill" "Buck"

William Paul Henry "Bill" "Buck" 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a brief illness on April 12, 2023 in Bakersfield, California.

Bill was born to Paul Henry and Pauline Cuen on February 7, 1956 in Bakersfield, California. Bill graduated from Highland High School in 1974 and began the first of his two careers that spanned 45 years. Law Enforcement and Education. Bill started his career at the Kings County Sheriff's Office in 1974, as one of a handful of individuals who became a sworn peace officer at the age of 18. At age 21, he would move back to his hometown to serve as a police officer with the Bakersfield Police Department, which consisted of patrol, motor cop, and detective before moving in to an administrative role with the department. In 1979, Bill started working as a part-time criminal justice professor at Bakersfield College while he continued working at the BPD. He also served as an evening supervisor at the Delano Campus. He taught part-time until his retirement from BPD in 1998, capping off a 24-year career in law enforcement. Upon his BPD retirement, Bill accepted a Criminal Justice teaching position at Porterville College. In his 21 years at Porterville College, Bill advanced to a dean position, Vice President of Instruction and in 2017, he became President. Bill officially retired in 2019. In 2020, Bill married Kailani.

In 1997, Bill followed in his father's footsteps and was inducted into the Kern County Officials Association Hall of Fame after many years of service as a high school and Junior College umpire. Upon retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling in his RV with his wife and two boxer dogs, going to his grandkids sporting events, wine tasting, working in his workshop and BBQing his famous ribs for family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife Kailani of Bakersfield, son Daniel Henry and his wife Bambi, daughter Janae Witcher and her husband Josh, stepson Brian Manson and his wife Cheyenne, and grandchildren Gavin and Payton Henry, Grace and Brogan Witcher and Oliver and Fynn Manson. His mother Pauline Landes, sisters Marsha Eggman and Pamela Bailey, and brother David Landes. Also, many nieces and nephews. He's also survived by his two boxer dogs, Buford and Molly, whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his father Paul Henry and stepfather Lee Landes.

Services will be held on April 24th at 1pm at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd. Bakersfield, Ca 93305. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 22nd from 3-5pm, Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd. Bakersfield, Ca 93305.