John E. Henry
February 21, 1934 – April 28, 2023
John E. Henry, 89, of Philipsburg, PA passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 28, 2023.
John was born on February 21, 1934, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Merlin and Hazel (Miles) Henry.
He was the youngest of four children; having been preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Backover, Richard “Dick” Henry and Doris Piedmo.
John was married on November 13, 1982, in Tyrone, to the former Donna (Price) Eschbach, who survives him and will miss him dearly. They would have been married 41 years this November.
He is also survived by two children, Flint Henry and Beth Ann Ronan; two grandchildren, Nathaniel Ronan (Sasha) and Malinda Parsely (Isaac); step-daughters, Kris Eschbach (Jay Pitocchelli) and Kelly Eschbach (Bill Lundstrom); two step-grandchildren, Olivia and Will Lundstrom; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Philipsburg, John graduated from the former Philipsburg High School in 1952. He was a US Army veteran having served as a Military Policeman at Fort Lewis in Washington state from 1956-1958. He remained in the Army reserves until 1962. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Philipsburg.
John held various jobs over the years, all of which showcased his creative talents and commitment to hard work; including construction, carpentry and pattern making. The project he was most proud of was having designed and built his own home in Philipsburg. He was known to some as “The Trunk Man” because of his amazing ability to transform old trunks, giving them a new life. He thoroughly enjoyed history, especially that of the Civil War. He was an avid hunter and an antique collector.
He and Donna loved to travel. Highlights of their excursions included visiting Alaska, Hawaii and a grand road trip across the U.S. They enjoyed cycling together, particularly on the area’s Rails to Trails networks. John loved sweets, never having turned down an offer for a slice of pie or a bowl of ice cream.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org; or to Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S Front St., Philipsburg, PA. 16866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
