Donald E. Henry, 82, of Goff, Kansas, died Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Holton Community Hospital.

Don was born on November 2, 1929 in Axtell, Kansas, the fourth child of Joseph and Hedwig (Waller) Henry. His childhood years were spent in Nemaha County where he attended Sts. Peter & Paul School through eighth grade. He worked on the family farm and later received his GED.

On November 9, 1950, he wed the love of his life, Dorothy (Dode) Eisenbarth, in Corning, Kansas.

In 1952, Don was drafted by the U.S. Army and proudly served our country for two years in the Korean War Conflict.

After his military discharge, he began farming with his brothers Joe and Francis “Frenchy”, and later, Jim in a joint operation that later became Henry Brothers Farms. It was at this time when Don and Dode began their family. Over the years they celebrated the births of their five children, Tim, Alice, Marlene, Joan and Craig.

Don, Dode, and their children also operated a Grade A Dairy from 1954 until it was sold. His children admired his work ethic and dedication to his farm and family.

While busy farming 3,000 acres and running dairy farms with his brothers, the opportunity arose to purchase the International Harvester farm implement dealerships in Seneca and Holton. On March 1, 1969, with his brothers Frenchy, Joe and Jim, they opened Henry Brothers, Inc. in Holton and Seneca. Later Don’s brother Dennis and his nephew Gary joined the business. In 1986, they expanded with a new dealership branch in Hiawatha.

Don discovered enjoyment being on the road and driving a semi tractor-trailer to transport equipment for the company.

He was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore and served on the church council, finance council, as a Eucharistic minister and was a Fourth Degree Knight. Don also served with the Nemaha County Training Center Board, USD 441 school board, and National Farmers Organization. Don’s dedication to his country continued as proud member of the Goff American Legion and was honored to participate in Memorial Day ceremonies.

Don’s participation and devotion to his church, community and country was unparalleled.

He enjoyed sharing his love of card games, fishing, hunting, gardening, and cooking with his family. Those who knew him will always remember playing card games, his fishing spot, the produce from his bountiful garden, the smell of his delicious cinnamon rolls, homemade noodles, cookies and his homemade root beer. Don also specialized in comedy and enjoyed sharing a good joke.

He loved sharing in laughter and conversation with family, friends, and even strangers. In his retirement he enjoyed passing time by making rosaries, bracelets and necklaces. Most importantly, he always made time for and loved being surrounded by family.

Don is survived by Dode, his wife of 61 years, and his children, Tim of Goff, Alice (Randy) Tanking of Wetmore, Marlene (Matt) Wagoner of Salina, Joan (Fred) Hirsch of Abilene, and Craig (Pam) Henry of Onondaga, Michigan, as well as 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Surviving siblings include “Frenchy” (Francis) of Wetmore, Robert (Mary Ann), James (Jane), and Dennis (Joyce), all of Seneca, Regis (Cindy) of Centralia, Lawrence (Norma) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Kenneth (Dorothy) of Topeka; two sisters, Edith (Ray) Rombeck of Topeka and Mary Jo (Charles) Barrett of Charlotte, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by brothers Joe and Dick, and granddaughter, Katie Ann Wagoner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Saturday, June 9, at St. James Church in Wetmore. Burial will be in the Wetmore City Cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 PM Friday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca and 7:30 PM Friday at St. James Church.

Memorials may be given for the Nemaha County Training Center, sent in care of the family.