CHARLESTON — Claude Wasson Henry, born in Moorhead on August 18, 1923, was perhaps the oldest veteran in Tallahatchie County. Military police in the Army was his designation until he left the service in 1945 as a private first class in the 521st.
A father of three, Wasson lived in Paynes-Leverette area on the Henry family farm of 100 acres. He farmed there when he did not work in Clarksdale at a door fastener, Emhart Manufacturer. His children are Terry Hill and the late Charles Hill from Belzoni, Jacky Henry and his wife Brenda Albritton Henry of Charleston, and Micky Henry Jackson of Millington, Tenn. His 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren could always find him grinning and happy to see them at the Tallahatchie General Extended Care Facility on any day. A good life is what Wasson Henry would say he lived.
He leaves his three sisters, Irene Dungan of Enid, Doris Virginia Ray of Brandon, Bettie Jean Little of Grenada; his daughters, Terry and Micky; and his son, Jacky.
His wife of 66 years, Betty Jo Denley, preceded him. His mother, Jessie Thompson Henry, his father Leslie Claude Henry, his two brothers, James Howard Henry and Leslie Henry, also preceded him.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, beginning at Magnolia Garden Cemetery at Paynes. Newsom Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.newsomfuneralhome.com.
