Donald G. Henry, 91, of Apache Junction, Arizona, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Sky Vista Assisted Living Facility of Mesa, Arizona.
Donald, son of Allen and Moncie (Robinson), was born on August 20, 1930, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the 4th of 11 children. Don attended school through the ninth grade. During his childhood, Don lived in both Tennessee and Kentucky before moving to Michigan.
Donald and his family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he was inducted into the USMC in March 1952, and did his basic training in San Diego. He rose to the rank of corporal and was deployed to Japan during the Korean War. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. Donald was honorably discharged in March 1954. He completed the USMC reserves in March 1960.
After serving, Donald met Sarah (Barrera) through his sister, Joyce, while they were living in Detroit, Michigan, and Don and Sarah were married on July 25, 1954. They were blessed with four children, Mark, Michael, Mary, and Michele.
Donald started Mold-Ex Rubber Company with his father and brother, Tom, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. They held contracts with major auto companies and other businesses. In 1989, Don and Tom moved Mold-Ex to Milton, Florida, where Don retired from the business in 1997.
After visiting friends in Arizona, Don and Sarah decided to build a house in Apache Junction, Arizona, on 5 acres of land in 1983. Don enjoyed tending to his fruit trees on the property, playing golf at various golf courses in the Valley, and spending time with his grand and great-grandchildren and his miniature poodle, Bella, and Irish setter, Riley. Don also enjoyed playing at casinos and watching old time westerns.
Donald is survived by his children, Mark (Mary Helen) of Tucson, Arizona, Michael of Mesa, Arizona, and Michele Ryerse of Apache Junction, Arizona, and grandsons, Scott (Shaya) Henry and Nolan of Mesa, Arizona, Robert (Marlo) Henry and Patrick and Andrew of Casper, Wyoming, and Joshua Ryerse of Apache Junction, Arizona. Don is also survived by his brother, Tom (Eve) of Gulf Breeze, Florida, and his sister, Bonnie (Dick) Goldner of Winchester, California, and many nephews and nieces. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Moncie, his wife, Sarah, and his daughter, Mary. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Noble, Claude, Bill, and Ronnie, and his sisters, Audrey, Faye, Joyce, and Pat.
A Memorial Service will be held from 2pm-3pm, Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona, 85207, with Military Color Guard to begin the service.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post #9399, 133 N. Saguaro Drive, Apache Junction, Arizona 85120, hosted by his children, immediately following the Color Guard ceremony and Memorial Service.
Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery are in charge of the Memorial Service. Condolences may be sent online to MountainViewFuneralHomeandCemetery.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and VFW Post #9399.
Don was like my second dad. We lived around the corner since I was 5 and Michele and I have been bffs ever since. I was able to be there when Sarah passed and was very greatful to be . I know they are dancing in each other’s arms now. RIP dad ❤️ until we meet again.