Robert Henry

Dr. Robert Bruce Henry (Bob) went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2015 during his short stay at the Groesbeck LTC Facility. Bob was born in San Benita, Texas on November 7, 1937 to Eloise Huffman and Billy Thornton. His school years were spent in Angleton, Texas where he graduated with the class of 1957. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in California. He completed his service in 1960 and then enrolled at Sam Houston University. It was there he met Patricia Bottoms (Patsy) and on September 2, 1961, he married the love of his life. They moved to Beaumont where Bob completed his bachelor's degree in art at Lamar University. He taught art a few years as he and Patsy started their family. They had two sons, Jeff and Scott. Bob and Patsy moved to Nacogdoches where he received a master's degree in art. He also became an assistant instructor in art and helped coach football and track. Bob always had a difficult time deciding which he liked best, art or sports. He finally decided to teach art, so he and his family moved to Arizona where he attended Arizona State University and received his doctorate degree in art education. While there, he helped coach football at Scottsdale High School as well as teaching art. Bob and family then moved back to Nacogdoches where he was assistant professor in the Art Department. For many years he taught art and coached at junior high school, high high and college levels. His last coaching and teaching position was at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. He was selected to start the first baseball program at Schreiner and became their head baseball coach. Several years after retiring, Bob received his highest professional achievement when he was inducted into Schreiner University's Athletic Hall of Honor. His highest personal honor was coaching his sons. After retiring from coaching, he stayed busy selling insurance for Physician's Mutual, working with young people through the Walk to Emmaus Ministry, as well as serving in his church. Bob's favorite past-times were fishing with his wife, doing some sculpting, playing with his grandchildren and holding his loving dog and companion, Austin. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Christopher Hart Henry. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patsy of Mexia; sons, Jeff Henry of Austin and Scott Henry and wife, Gloria of San Antonio; and grandchildren, Tomas, Marcos, Jayln, Sydney, Colton, and Camryn. He is also survived by his brother, John Henry of Ingram, Texas, sister-in-law Pam Crider and husband, Bob, sister-in-law, Deborah Hullum and husband, Glen all of Mexia, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Preschool, Providence Hospice, Wounded Warriors or any charity of your choice. There will be a celebration of Bob's life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23rd, at the First United Methodist Church in Mexia with Rev. Danny Niedecken officiating.

Service Information

Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 1:00pm, First United Methodist Church-Mexia