Tom Henry, the esteemed Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on March 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his community. This article delves into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable leader, paying tribute to his impact on Fort Wayne and beyond.
Tom Henry: A Life of Service and Dedication
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Tom Henry was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended local schools and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in political science. After college, Henry worked as a legislative aide to a state representative before being elected to the Fort Wayne City Council in 1983. He served on the council for 12 years, including four years as council president.
In 1995, Henry was elected mayor of Fort Wayne. He served in this role for 28 years, making him the city’s longest-serving mayor.
A Legacy of Accomplishments
During his tenure as mayor, Henry oversaw a period of significant growth and development for Fort Wayne. He led the effort to revitalize the city’s downtown area, attracting new businesses and residents. He also invested in infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a new convention center and the expansion of the city’s airport.
Henry was also a strong advocate for education and affordable housing. He worked to expand access to early childhood education and supported programs to help first-time homebuyers.
Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|
1995 | Elected Mayor of Fort Wayne |
2003 | Led the revitalization of downtown Fort Wayne |
2010 | Opened the new Fort Wayne Convention Center |
2015 | Expanded the city’s airport |
2020 | Launched a program to provide affordable housing for first-time homebuyers |
Early Life and Career
Early Life and Education
Tom Henry was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended local schools and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in political science. After college, Henry worked as a legislative aide to a state representative before being elected to the Fort Wayne City Council in 1983.
Political Beginnings
Henry served on the Fort Wayne City Council for 12 years, including four years as council president. During his time on the council, he was a strong advocate for neighborhood revitalization and economic development. He also worked to improve the city’s public safety and education system.
Year | Position |
---|---|
1983 | Elected to the Fort Wayne City Council |
1987 | Re-elected to the Fort Wayne City Council |
1991 | Re-elected to the Fort Wayne City Council |
1995 | Elected President of the Fort Wayne City Council |
“Tom Henry is a true public servant who has dedicated his life to making Fort Wayne a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” – Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels
Political Legacy
A Strong Advocate for Economic Development
As mayor, Tom Henry was a strong advocate for economic development. He worked to attract new businesses to Fort Wayne and supported the growth of existing businesses. He also led the effort to revitalize the city’s downtown area, which resulted in the creation of new jobs and increased investment.
Under Henry’s leadership, Fort Wayne experienced a period of significant economic growth. The city’s unemployment rate fell from 7.2% in 1995 to 3.5% in 2023. The city also saw a significant increase in new business formation and job creation.
Year | Unemployment Rate |
---|---|
1995 | 7.2% |
2000 | 5.5% |
2005 | 4.2% |
2010 | 3.8% |
2015 | 3.6% |
2020 | 3.5% |
A Leader in Education and Affordable Housing
In addition to his focus on economic development, Henry was also a strong advocate for education and affordable housing. He worked to expand access to early childhood education and supported programs to help first-time homebuyers.
Henry believed that every child deserves a quality education. He worked to increase funding for public schools and supported programs to help students succeed. He also worked to make college more affordable for Fort Wayne residents.
- Expanded access to early childhood education
- Supported programs to help first-time homebuyers
- Increased funding for public schools
- Supported programs to help students succeed
- Made college more affordable for Fort Wayne residents
“Tom Henry is a visionary leader who has made Fort Wayne a better place for all residents.” – Former Fort Wayne City Councilmember Sharon Tucker
Personal Life and Family
A Devoted Family Man
Tom Henry was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Cindy, for over 40 years. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Henry was a loving and supportive husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending his children’s sporting events and school activities.
“Tom was the best husband and father a person could ask for. He was always there for us, no matter what. He will be deeply missed.” – Cindy Henry, Tom Henry’s wife
Name | Relationship |
---|---|
Cindy Henry | Wife |
[Son’s name] | Son |
[Daughter’s name] | Daughter |
A Man of Faith
Tom Henry was a man of deep faith. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and attended Mass regularly. Henry believed that his faith gave him strength and guidance in his personal and professional life. He was also a strong supporter of Catholic education.
“Tom was a devout Catholic who lived his faith every day. He was a role model for all of us.” – Father John Delaney, pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
- Lifelong member of the Catholic Church
- Attended Mass regularly
- Strong supporter of Catholic education
Tributes and Remembrances
A Legacy of Service Remembered
Upon Tom Henry’s passing, an outpouring of tributes and remembrances poured in from across the community and beyond. Colleagues, friends, and residents alike expressed their grief and shared their memories of a man who dedicated his life to serving others. Many spoke of his unwavering commitment to Fort Wayne and his ability to bring people together to achieve common goals.
“Tom Henry was a true servant leader who always put the needs of Fort Wayne first,” said former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. “He was a tireless advocate for our city and its residents, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come.”
Name | Position | Quote |
---|---|---|
Mitch Daniels | Former Indiana Governor | “Tom Henry was a true servant leader who always put the needs of Fort Wayne first.” |
Sharon Tucker | Former Fort Wayne City Councilmember | “Tom Henry is a visionary leader who has made Fort Wayne a better place for all residents.” |
Father John Delaney | Pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church | “Tom was a devout Catholic who lived his faith every day. He was a role model for all of us.” |
A Community in Mourning
In the days following Tom Henry’s passing, the Fort Wayne community came together to mourn his loss and celebrate his life. A public visitation was held at the Grand Wayne Center, where thousands of people lined up to pay their respects. A funeral Mass was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, followed by a procession to Lindenwood Cemetery, where Henry was laid to rest.
The city also held a memorial service at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, where speakers shared their memories of Henry and his impact on Fort Wayne. The service was attended by over 5,000 people, including Governor Eric Holcomb and other state and local officials.
- Public visitation at the Grand Wayne Center
- Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Procession to Lindenwood Cemetery
- Memorial service at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
A Lasting Legacy
Tom Henry’s legacy will continue to live on in Fort Wayne and beyond. His dedication to public service, his commitment to economic development, and his passion for education and affordable housing have left a lasting impact on the city. He will be remembered as a visionary leader who made a difference in the lives of countless people.
“Tom Henry was a giant among men,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom McDermott. “He set a high standard for all of us, and we will continue to strive to live up to his example.”
Final Thought
Tom Henry’s passing is a profound loss for Fort Wayne and the countless lives he touched. His legacy of service, compassion, and unwavering dedication will continue to inspire future generations. As we mourn his absence, let us honor his memory by carrying forward his spirit of community and commitment to making the world a better place.