Lewis Lee Henry

Lewis Lee Henry, 44, of Oblong, IL, passed away on March 9, 2022, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong. He was born August 22, 1977, in Olney, IL, the son of Lewis Edward Henry & Donna Sue (Parker) Henry. He grew up in Oblong, where he attended school and excelled on the math and scholastic bowl teams. Upon graduating as the valedictorian of the Oblong High School Class of 1995, he decided to further his education at Rose-Hulman, where he double-majored in electrical engineering and computer science. During his collegiate years, he was a member of the solar car team and had the privilege of racing from Washington, D.C., to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Soon after graduating with both degrees in 1999, Lewis used his newfound knowledge to find work with Tellabs, where he stayed until joining the Chamberlain Group as a software engineer in 2014.

Much of his time away from work found this sports fan following his beloved Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears (though he would watch nearly any sport that happened to be on TV). He was also a huge auto racing fan and was especially enamored with Dale Earnhardt. It could be said that games played a significant part in his life. From board games with his family at Christmastime to card games with his buddies from work, these were a primary means by which he interacted with those he loved and cared for. They were also a staple of his family's many trips to the Smoky Mountains, which were like a home away from home for him.

We who are left behind could never forget the determination with which he fought throughout the twilight years of his life. Though Lewis Henry was a man of great size and stature, our many precious memories of him prove that his heart was even bigger.

He is survived by his mother, Donna Sue Henry; his aunt, Phyllis Henry; his cousins, Robb Sparks, Rod & Suzy Sparks (and their daughter, Baylee), Joe & Nikki Henry (and children Kristin and Raegan), Bill Henry, Jodi & Jeff Wiman, and Pam Henry Thomas; as well as his cherished friends, Earl & Valinda Deckard, who were like an extension of his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Edward Henry; his maternal grandparents, Robert Okey Parker & Wanda Parker; his paternal grandparents, Lewis & Maxine Henry; and his aunt & uncles, Linda & Harold Sparks and Larry Henry.

A time of visitation will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 12th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 3:30 on Saturday at the funeral home with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Burial will be in the Oblong Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Oblong Schools", to benefit the math and scholastic bowl teams. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.