Henry graduated from Poteau High School in 1965, where he studied woodworking—a skill that grew into a lifelong hobby. He loved building and fixing things for others and could always be counted on to find a solution to just about any problem.
On December 19, 1966, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Vise. The following year, during the Vietnam War, Henry was deployed to Korea, where he served honorably for 13 months. In 1968, he and Phyllis moved to Tulsa, where Henry began his career as a carpenter and bricklayer.
In 1973, the couple settled in Wister, Oklahoma with their two daughters, Lana and Carol. In 1978, Henry became a masonry instructor with the Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech at Ouachita Correctional Center (now Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center) in Hodgen, where he served with dedication until his retirement in 2007.
After retiring, Henry found joy in the outdoors—especially fishing for catfish and crappie, and deer hunting. He took pride in not just catching his limit, but also in cleaning and cooking his catches with care.
Henry was a man of quiet strength and steady love. He worked hard to care for those around him and his family, never lacked for anything. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a steadfast provider.
Henry is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 45 years, Phyllis.
He is survived by his daughters: Krissy Manning of the home, Carol Pickle and husband Jon of Poteau, and Lana Branscum and husband Steve of Fort Worth, Texas; his granddaughters Hannah Kannady and fiancé Tyler Baber of Poteau and Carly Branscum of Fort Worth, Texas; his sisters Sharron Whitlock and husband Carl of Cameron and Danita Rizzo and husband Freddy of Cameron. He is also lovingly remembered by his many fishing and hunting buddies—he truly thought the world of you.
Our family would like to thank the amazing nurses at Heart of Hospice in Poteau for the care, compassion, and professionalism they showed him, and for walking his daughters through this journey.
A memorial service celebrating Henry’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that everyone to please donate to Heart of Hospice, PO Box 460, Poteau, OK 74953.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Cremation Center of Poteau, Oklahoma. “LeFlore County’s only on-site crematory”
Get Local News!
