Emmet Robert Henry

Emmet Robert Henry

Emmet Robert Henry was born on June 17, 1940, to Mr. Ernest Henry and Mrs. Opal (Hill) Henry. His birth took place in Casa Grande, Arizona, arriving during a family road trip between Oklahoma and California—a fitting beginning for a man whose life would be marked by movement, purpose, and devotion to those he loved. 

Raised in a Christian home, he was one of nine children—four brothers, Stanley, Donald, Benjamin, and Kim, and three sisters, Carol, Stella, and Kay. 

Emmet spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Verden, Oklahoma, where he learned the lessons that would guide him into adulthood. He graduated from Verden High School in 1958. 

Shortly after finishing high school, Emmet met the love of his life, Katherine Holder. Their connection was immediate and enduring. They married on September 12, 1958, beginning a partnership of lasting love. 

That same year, Emmet joined the United States Navy, entering service in June 1958—just months before marrying Katherine. He served with honor as a Vietnam Veteran aboard the CV‑61 USS Ranger aircraft carrier. He was ranked as E6, and he worked in aircraft maintenance. His early years of marriage were marked by long deployments and time away from home, but together he and Katherine built a strong, resilient family. Between January 1960 and October 1964, they welcomed four children—two boys, Roger and Brian, and two girls, Robin and Michelle—each one a testament to their commitment and love despite the challenges of military life. 

Emmet was honorably discharged in 1969, having traveled to many places around the world and served his country with pride. Though he could have settled anywhere after leaving the Navy, he chose to return to Oklahoma, staying close to the family roots that meant so much to him. It was back home in Oklahoma where he achieved his goal of gaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and graduated in 1973 from OCLA in Chickasha, OK. 

After returning home, Emmet worked in construction for several years before beginning a long and dedicated career as an aircraft mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base, where he remained until retirement. 

All his life, Emmet found joy in the simple things of the outdoors. He loved to fish and was often seen on the banks of the Washita River, with no fewer than ten fishing poles lined up along the bank. He enjoyed target shooting, and later in life discovered a new passion he called “diggin’ in the dirt,” tending to his iris garden.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Katherine (Holder) Henry; parents, Ernest and Opal Henry; brothers, Stanley and Donald Henry; sisters, Carol Hinkle and Kay Martin.

Emmet is survived by his sons, Roger Henry, Brian Henry and Elaine Simcik; his daughters, Robin Burnett and husband Todd, Michelle Kemp and husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Stormy Diedrich and husband Hunter, Emily Kemp and Coy Grover, River Henry; great-grandson, Dean Diedrich; brothers, Benjamin Henry and wife Elizabeth, Kim Henry and wife Cindy; sister, Stella Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Bill Martin; sisters-in-law, Vera Henry and Helen Rutherford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Most of all, Emmet loved God. He loved his family and friends—his children, his granddaughters, Stormy and Emily, and his grandson, River and great-grandson, Dean. He loved his church and all the brothers and sisters who worshipped alongside him. He loved those that cared for him the last few years of his life. His faith, his devotion to family, and his love for his church community were the heart of who he was and the legacy he leaves behind.

Funeral service for Emmet Robert Henry will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Sevier Funeral Home in Chickasha, OK. Interment will be at the Verden Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home.