Jeff Henry

Jeffrey Dale Henry, 41, was born Sept. 5, 1964, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Harley Dale and Betty Lorraine Poe Henry of Jackson.

He passed away peacefully from cancer, May 2, 2006, at home, with his mother, sister and brother at his side.

Jeff attended Jackson Schools and graduated from Jackson High School in 1982. Musically gifted, he earned many honors during his high school years. He auditioned for and was accepted as a member of America's Youth in Concert Choir. The group performed concerts in the U.S. as well as many European cities during the summer of 1982.

Jeff was a lifelong member of New McKendree United Methodist Church, member and past officer of the United Methodist Men, Chancel Choir, and director of the Children's Choir. He sang at countless weddings throughout the area. He was a member of the band Classified for a number of years.

Working alongside his dad, Jeff worked as an apprentice and became a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 of St. Louis.

A disabling automobile accident in 1991 resulted in a traumatic brain injury. No longer able to work, Jeff lived the rest of his life bringing joy and laughter to all he encountered. His love of jokes and signature "thumbs up" always brought smiles.

He was an active participant in the New McKendree UMC's Eat and Meet Fellowship and the Brain Injury Resource Group of Southeast Missouri.

Jeff is survived by his mother, with whom he made his home; a son, Evan Jeffrey Henry of Millersville; a sister, Julie and husband Dan Lohmann of Evansville, Ill.; a brother, James "Jim" and wife Christa Henry of Jackson; nieces and nephews, Megan Henry, Hannah and Nathaniel Lohmann of Evansville, Ashlynn and Kanon Harley Henry of Jackson; uncles and aunts, Tom Henry, David and Jeanne Poe, Emily Tuschhoff, Homer and Carolyn Montgomery; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harley; grandparents, Leo "Pete" and Marjorie Poe, and Toby and Nola Henry.

Visitation will be today from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The Revs. John Rice and Jimmie Corbin will lead the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Friday. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Tom Henry, David Poe, Jeff Bohnert, Dave Poe Jr., Jan Gieselmann and Dave Boyer.

To honor Jeff's life, memorials may be given to Old McKendree Chapel, Southeast Hospice or CaringBridge.org.