Gary R. Henry, 75, of Lewistown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10 at Mount Nittany Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born July 24, 1951 in Bellefonte, but raised in Boalsburg, to the late Donald C. and Jacqulyn R. (Hill) Henry. On April 26, 1985, he married his wife of 41 years, Mary E. (Ferenz) Henry. In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his children, Jason Henry and his wife, Emma Shoucair, of Pittsburgh, Julie Henry and her fiance, Mitchell Smith, of Boalsburg, and Jessica Henry, of Lewistown, along with one grandson, Holden Henry. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Henry, of Chicora along with cousins, nieces, and nephews.

After receiving his degree in elementary education from Penn State University in 1972, Gary spent 37½ years as a fifth grade teacher - starting his career at Juniata Terrace before moving to Buchanan Elementary where he served as building leader in addition to teaching. Early in his teaching career, Gary was instrumental in starting the fifth grade Shaver’s Creek Outdoor School field trip for Mifflin County School District. “Crockett” enjoyed regaling the fifth graders at the last campfire with the 'tongue in cheek' story of Harvey the Giant Rabbit who would ka-boing the campers.

Gary was also very active in the community. He spent numerous years coaching youth basketball, soccer, and softball. He performed as a percussionist in the Lewistown Community Band while also helping with both the Panther and Husky Clubs.

As a former percussionist in the Penn State Blue Band, Gary loved watching the Blue Band perform during halftime of the football games. He also had to make sure he was in the stadium in plenty of time to see them make their march to the field. Gary was a longtime Penn State football season ticket holder who never missed a game and would stay until the very end, no matter the outcome. He was fortunate to attend the 1986 National Championship game with his wife and both the Fiesta Bowl and Orange Bowl during Penn State’s 2024 playoff run. Gary also enjoyed attending Penn State wrestling matches and got to experience the 2019 National Championships in Pittsburgh. While he thoroughly enjoyed both sports, he truly cherished the time spent bonding with his family.

Every Friday entailed Gary going to Joe’s OIP for his lunch of potato soup. A special thank you to Sam and Megan who treated him like royalty every time he visited. He also enjoyed peanut butter milkshakes and popcorn along with his yearly anniversary trip to Gettysburg with his wife.

Gary attended Sacred Heart Church and stood faithfully by his wife and children on Sundays. He will be remembered as a loving, caring, and supportive husband, father, and educator by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20 from 11:00 am until the time of funeral service at 12:00 pm at the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home (1034 Benner Pike State College, PA 16801) with Deacon Dave Lapinski officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Centre County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider directing a gift to Penn State’s Outdoor School at Shaver’s Creek, online via raise.psu.edu/MemoryofGaryHenry or via mail to: Attn: Donor and Member Services; The Pennsylvania State University; 329 Innovation Blvd, Suite 311; State College, PA 16803-6606, with the note: “XTXOS-In memory of Gary Henry” or to the Penn State Blue Band, online via tinyurl.com/henryblueband.

Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801 is assisting the family with their arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.haky/georgianacentrecountyfuneralhome.com.