Joe Eugene Henry

1933 - 2024

Henry, Joe Eugene

Jan 27, 1933 - Jul 13, 2024

Joe Eugene Henry was born in a farmhouse in Dustin, Oklahoma on January 27, 1933, to Mary Lucille and Eugene Rolley Henry (who proceeded him in death) and passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 91. He was a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. During the Great Depression, Joe, along with his brother Bill moved with his parents to Gardenia, California for his parents' work. His very first job was being a paperboy during World War II. His family moved to Chandler, Arizona, where he graduated from high school. His parents moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, but Joe stayed in Arizona with his aunt and uncle to finish his senior year and help out on their cotton farm.

After graduating, and while Joe was working for Tulsa Winch, he left to serve in the Army, as a Sergeant in the Korean War in 1953. At his going away party, Joe commented about the prettiest blonde woman he had ever seen, JoAnn Fugate. After he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1955, Joe was properly introduced to JoAnn and on August 30th of 1957 the two wed.

After attending the University of Tulsa, he went to work for Crescent Precision Products and rose through the ranks to general manager. Joe then founded Henry Manufacturing and worked there until joining forces with his good friend Bill Ramsey, to become president of Ramsey Winch Company and president of Auto Crane. Joe and JoAnn traveled the world, but still managed to attend his children and grandchildren's sporting events. He retired from Ramsey Winch after a 30-year career which allowed him to spend more time with his family.

He was very close to his three children, Rick, Jeannie and Steven. He was also close with his daughters-in-law, Staci and Jan. Papa Joe had six grandchildren, Ashlee, Lindsey, Grayson, Gabby, Caroline, and Isabella, who he affectionately called "Izzy Busy," and his great grandson Brooks. Joe loved to spend time at their lake house, teaching his children to water ski and fish. He also raised his children at Parkview Baptist Church where they could be found on Sunday (unless they were on the water). Joe was a passionate blackjack player who introduced his kids to the right way to play in Las Vegas.

He always said his two biggest life accomplishments were his happy marriage of 66 years to his loving wife JoAnn and the successes of his children and grandchildren. While he was very accomplished in his career, his family and friends will remember him as a great example of a husband, father, grandfather and friend. Joe is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother and a large group of extended family members and friends.

His Celebration of Life was held at Moore Southlawn Chapel on Saturday July 20th. Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233