William "Bill" Henry

William "Bill" R. Henry, a devoted community leader and advocate for Marion, Indiana, passed away on September 10, 2025. Born on February 23, 1946, in Marion, he was the son of William F. and Mildred E. (Schwark) Henry.
He graduated from Marion High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Earlham College. He was Director of Community Education and Head Start for Marion Community Schools from 1968 to 1976. From 1976 to 1986, he was Business Administrator, Director of Operations and then Executive Director for the Kokomo OIC. In 1990, he was Founding Executive Director of Community Rehab Project in Marion. He was Executive Director of the original Rehab Project in Lima Ohio from 1990 to 1993, winning the Maxwell Award from the National Fannie Mae Foundation. In 1993, he became Director of the Division of Housing and Economic Development for Community Action of Greater Indianapolis. From 1995 until 2000, he was Field Agent for Indiana Rural Community Assistance Program and a consultant, helping small communities solve problems with wastewater, drinking water, parks, and housing.
Bill was Mayor of Marion from 2000 to 2004. During his term, Marion gained 900 jobs, delivered efficient services, cut taxes 12%, and held taxes low. He built the #5 Fire Station, the Skatepark and BMX track at 14th St. Park, completed the downtown redevelopment project, extended Pennsylvania Street, installed the sewer system at Matter Park, expanded the Senior Center, and created the Mayor's Math Champions. Indiana State Chamber of Commerce named Marion Indiana Community of the Year under his leadership. From 2004 until his death, he was self-employed as a consultant and property manager.
He was President of Student Body and Government at Earlham, winning both the Trueblood Speech Award and Presidential Leadership Award. He was Regional Convenor of the OIC Executive Directors Association for the Great Lakes Region, served on the Executive Council of OIC's of America and twice testified before the US Senate on employment and training issues. He also testified six times before the Ohio General Assembly on housing issues. Gov. Ernie Fletcher named him a Kentucky Colonel in 2007. Bill served as member and Chair of the Citizens' Advisory Group for Indiana Public Radio and WIPB at Ball State. He served as President of the South Marion Business Club and as a member of the Marion Redevelopment Commission, Marion Human Relations Commission and Marion Utility Service Board.
Both a birthright and convinced Quaker, he most recently started and belonged to the Mississinewa Gathering of Friends. He was also Presiding Clerk of Whitewater Quarterly Meeting, Presiding Clerk of the Executive Committee of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting, and served three terms on both Central and Executive Committees of Friends General Conference, Philadelphia, PA. He was a board member of Friends Committee on National Legislation and Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation.
He was an honorary member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He also served as Board President of Harvest Homes, a rural housing organization that also sponsored the Marion Hispanic Roundtable. He raised thousands of dollars for Hispanic scholarships. Bill was also a lifelong member of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Indiana. He served as the Worshipful Master of Samaritan Lodge in Marion, and most recently was a member of Arcana Lodge in Upland.
An active Democrat, his voice and pen were always lent to assist sensible candidates of either party seeking office at the local and state level. He was passionate about frugal, effective, and honest government for the people. He served as the Democratic Party member of the Grant County Election Board and most recently as the Chair of the Grant County Democrats.
A member of the NAACP, he received the Sidney Smith Award from the Marion Branch in 2003. The Marion Hispanic Roundtable presented him with the President's Award in 2004. Bill Henry also headed the National Conference of Friends on Race Relations, presenting race relations workshops in 17 states. Undoubtedly, he was committed to a diverse and just America.
He is survived by three sons: William (Allegra Churchill) Henry, Phoenixville, PA; Dr. Ian (Kirstin Eismin) Henry, Cincinnati OH; and Charles E. Faulkner, New York City; three grandsons, Lincoln Michael William Henry, Aiden Henry Langton Churchill, and Kyan Douglass Eismin-Henry; and a granddaughter, Inez Nicole Eismin-Henry.
His parents, sisters, Jeanne (Mrs. Tom) Pressley and Dr. Sue Henry, and a daughter, Elizabeth Anne Henry, preceded him in death.
A Meeting for Worship in his memory will be held at Fall Creek Meeting House, 1794 West S.R. 38, Pendleton, IN 46064 on September 18, 2025, at 11:00 am. All are welcome.
Additionally, a public memorial service will be held at Marion City Hall, 301 S. Branson St., Marion, IN 46952, on September 19, 2025, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henry Family Scholarship Fund at Earlham College, 801 National Rd. West, Richmond, IN 47374.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.