John Russell Henry, Sr.

John Russell Henry, Sr. of Battle Creek, MI



John, age 68, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, September 20, 2015 at the Bronson @ Home Hospice Residence of Battle Creek, following a lengthy illness and surrounded by his loving family.


John, the son of Elmer and Mary Ann (Smith) Henry, was born in Cadillac, MI on December 23, 1946; moved to this area in 1951 and was 1966 graduate of the Battle Creek Central High School. He was a Conductor for the Grand Trunk Railroad, known as "The TERMINATOR," and retiring in 2008 after 42 years of faithful service. John was a member of the Battle Creek Lodge # 12, F & AM and the Commandery # 33 of the Battle Creek Knights Templar. He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed his annual trips to Alaska with lifelong friend, Don Hoebeke.


John was united in marriage to Susan E. (Kapelke) in Battle Creek on November 19, 1975. Surviving is his wife of almost 40 years, Susan; his daughter, Tracey A. (John) Kauppila of Battle Creek; five sons, John R. Henry, Jr. of Brevard, NC, Greg J. (Michelle) Henry, Jason L (Darla) Henry and Todd M. Henry-all of Battle Creek and Jeffrey M. (Kristy) Henry of Milan, MI; thirteen grandchildren; his sister, JoAnn Coston of Battle Creek and his brother, Dennis (Jan) Komarck of Mendon, MI. John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon Lee Terry and a brother-in-law, George Coston.


The Funeral Service to celebrate John's life will be held at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, on Friday, September 25th at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Jeff Eckman, North Avenue Church of God, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek with the Battle Creek Lodge # 12, F& AM conducting the graveside service. Family and friends are invited to continue John's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the graveside service. John's family will greet friends on Thursday, September 24th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's honor may be directed to the Bronson @ Home Hospice Residence, 165 Washington Ave. North, Battle Creek, MI 49037-2929.