Thomas Edward Henry

Thomas Edward “Tom” Henry, 72, of Topeka, passed away on March 29^th, 2021 at his home in Thornton Place in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on July 9, 1948 the son of James T. and Paula A. (Specht) Henry.  He and his family moved to Seneca at a young age and grew up there attending Sts. Peter and Paul Parochial School through 11^th grade and graduated from Seneca High School in 1966 as a basketball star.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam with Spec 4 198^th Infantry where he was a tunnel rat and radio telephone operator.  Tom was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.  He was proud of his service and reached out to other veterans.

Tom retired in 2008 from the Topeka Postal Distribution Center where he was a Distribution Clerk for many years.

Tom was a compassionate, friendly, funny guy who had a great sense of humor and did not know a stranger.  He enjoyed reading, playing pool, watching Horseracing, all sports, and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.

He is survived by a brother Bill Henry of Orange Park, Fl., and his sister who was born on his 11^th birthday, Kathy Speier and her husband Jim of Berryton, Ks, three nieces, many cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Paula Henry and an infant brother Joey Henry who died at the age of two in 1952.

Tom will lie in state at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Monday, April 5^th from 9-10:00 a.m. where a rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the VFW or any veterans organization of the donor’s choice and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.