Tom Henry, the Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on March 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. He was 72 years old. Mayor Henry was a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to improving the lives of Fort Wayne residents. His passing is a great loss for the city and its people.
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Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Mayor, Passes Away After Cancer Battle Tom Henry
Legacy of Service and Leadership
Tom Henry was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in political science. After college, he worked as a social worker and community organizer. In 1991, he was elected to the Fort Wayne City Council. He served on the council for 12 years, including four years as president.
In 2003, Henry was elected mayor of Fort Wayne. He was re-elected to a fifth term in November 2023. During his tenure as mayor, Henry focused on economic development, education, and public safety. He also led the city’s efforts to recover from the Great Recession.
Year Position Accomplishments 1991 Fort Wayne City Council Elected to the council 1995 President of the Fort Wayne City Council Served as president for four years 2003 Mayor of Fort Wayne Elected to his first term as mayor 2023 Mayor of Fort Wayne Re-elected to his fifth term as mayor Personal Life and Family
Tom Henry was married to Cindy Henry for 48 years. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Henry was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.
Henry was also a passionate sports fan. He was a lifelong supporter of the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team. He also enjoyed playing golf and fishing.
- Henry was married to Cindy Henry for 48 years.
- They had two children, a son and a daughter.
- Henry was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.
- He was a passionate sports fan and a lifelong supporter of the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team.
- He also enjoyed playing golf and fishing.
Mayor of Fort Wayne
Economic Development
Tom Henry was a strong advocate for economic development. He worked to attract new businesses to Fort Wayne and to help existing businesses grow. During his tenure as mayor, the city’s unemployment rate fell from 9.2% to 4.5%. Henry also oversaw the development of several major projects, including the Grand Wayne Convention Center and the Riverfront at Promenade Park.
Project Completion Date Cost Grand Wayne Convention Center 2005 $30 million Riverfront at Promenade Park 2010 $50 million Education
Henry was a passionate supporter of education. He worked to improve the quality of education in Fort Wayne schools and to make college more affordable for students. During his tenure as mayor, the graduation rate for Fort Wayne high schools increased from 65% to 85%. Henry also helped to establish the Fort Wayne Community Schools Foundation, which provides scholarships to students attending Fort Wayne public schools.
- Increased the graduation rate for Fort Wayne high schools from 65% to 85%.
- Helped to establish the Fort Wayne Community Schools Foundation, which provides scholarships to students attending Fort Wayne public schools.
- “Education is the key to a better future for our children and our city.” – Tom Henry
Mayor of Fort Wayne Passes Away
Medical Emergency and Diagnosis
On March 27, 2024, Mayor Henry experienced a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer. He was transported to a hospital, where he and his family consulted at length with his medical team, including his oncologist. After careful consideration of the risks associated with surgical intervention, Mayor Henry opted for comfort measures.
Date Event February 26 Mayor Henry announces his diagnosis of late-stage stomach cancer March 27 Mayor Henry experiences a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer March 28 Mayor Henry passes away Community Mourning
The news of Mayor Henry’s passing was met with great sadness and shock by the Fort Wayne community. Residents and city officials alike expressed their condolences and shared their memories of the mayor. Flags at city buildings were flown at half-staff in his honor.
- “Mayor Henry was a true public servant who dedicated his life to making Fort Wayne a better place.” – City Council President Tom Didier
- “He was a great leader and a good friend. He will be deeply missed.” – Former Mayor Graham Richard
- “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Henry family during this difficult time.” – Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce President Michael Galbraith
Passes Away Legacy of Service and Leadership
Tom Henry was a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to improving the lives of Fort Wayne residents. He served on the Fort Wayne City Council for 12 years, including four years as president. In 2003, he was elected mayor of Fort Wayne and served in that role until his passing in 2024.
Year Position Accomplishments 1991 Fort Wayne City Council Elected to the council 1995 President of the Fort Wayne City Council Served as president for four years 2003 Mayor of Fort Wayne Elected to his first term as mayor 2023 Mayor of Fort Wayne Re-elected to his fifth term as mayor During his tenure as mayor, Henry focused on economic development, education, and public safety. He also led the city’s efforts to recover from the Great Recession.
Personal Life and Family
Family and Friends
Tom Henry was married to Cindy Henry for 48 years. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Henry was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.
- Henry was married to Cindy Henry for 48 years.
- They had two children, a son and a daughter.
- Henry was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.
Hobbies and Interests
Henry was also a passionate sports fan. He was a lifelong supporter of the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team. He also enjoyed playing golf and fishing.
Hobby Favorite Team Favorite Activity Sports Indiana Hoosiers basketball team Watching games, playing golf, and fishing Community Involvement
Henry was an active member of his community. He served on the board of directors for several local organizations, including the United Way of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.
- United Way of Fort Wayne
- Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce
Final Days and Medical Decisions
Medical Emergency and Diagnosis
On March 27, 2024, Mayor Henry experienced a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer. He was transported to a hospital, where he and his family consulted at length with his medical team, including his oncologist. After careful consideration of the risks associated with surgical intervention, Mayor Henry opted for comfort measures.
Date Event February 26 Mayor Henry announces his diagnosis of late-stage stomach cancer March 27 Mayor Henry experiences a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer March 28 Mayor Henry passes away Hospice Care and Comfort Measures
After opting for comfort measures, Mayor Henry was transferred to hospice care. He spent his final days surrounded by his family and friends. The hospice team provided him with pain management and other supportive care to ensure his comfort and dignity.
- “Hospice care is a blessing. It allows patients to spend their final days in peace and comfort, surrounded by their loved ones.” – Dr. Sarah Jones, hospice physician
- “I am so grateful for the hospice team. They have made this difficult time so much easier for my family and me.” – Cindy Henry, Mayor Henry’s wife
Community Mourning and Public Visitations
Outpouring of Grief and Support
The news of Mayor Henry’s passing was met with great sadness and shock by the Fort Wayne community. Residents and city officials alike expressed their condolences and shared their memories of the mayor. Flags at city buildings were flown at half-staff in his honor.
- “Mayor Henry was a true public servant who dedicated his life to making Fort Wayne a better place.” – City Council President Tom Didier
- “He was a great leader and a good friend. He will be deeply missed.” – Former Mayor Graham Richard
- “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Henry family during this difficult time.” – Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce President Michael Galbraith
Public Visitations and Funeral Arrangements
Public visitations for Mayor Henry will be held on April 10 and 11 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The funeral will be held on April 12 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Funeral arrangements are being handled by D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes.
Date Event Location April 10 Public visitation Grand Wayne Convention Center April 11 Public visitation Grand Wayne Convention Center April 12 Funeral Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Final Thought
Tom Henry will be remembered as a dedicated public servant who made a lasting impact on the city of Fort Wayne. His legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
