Rev. Donald C. McHenry, age 94, Douglassville, PA., went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Oct.19, 2021, after a brief illness. He was born May 1, 1927 in Hinsdale, IL, but moved to central PA as a teenager with his parents, Wallace & Lois McHenry, their only child. In 1945 Don graduated from Snow Shoe High School and immediately enlisted in the Navy to serve for 15 months.
Don earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from Penn State College 1950. After travels in US western states, Don felt the call to serve the Lord as a minister. He graduated from the San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1954 and returned to PA. In 1955, he was ordained at the North Liberty Presbyterian Church near Grove City and served there almost 10 years. While there he married Annabelle Ellis and they have three children, Craig (Alexis), Lynelle Fitzmier, and Clark (Andrea) and two grandsons, Craig, Jr. and Elijah plus several step grandchildren. Don is also survived by a sister-in-law, Arlene Lauber, East Springfield, PA and two nieces.
In 1964, Don accepted a challenge near Sharon, PA, relocating a congregation due to the building of the Shenango Dam and Reservoir. He remained there for 32 years while a church, manse, and fellowship hall were built for Faith Presbyterian Church. He also had vision for state wide ministries as he assisted the PA Christian Endeavor, Box 190, 1617 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 and the PA State Sunday School Association, 5915 Fox St, Harrisburg, PA 17112.
Upon retiring in 1996, Don and Ann moved to Berks County near their children. He is a member of the Lehigh Valley Presbytery and served for several years as Visitation Pastor at the Trinity E. C. Church, Boyertown. Don was blessed with a fine speaking voice and the gift of leading hearts to the Heavenly Father through prayer.
A memorial service will be held at Boyertown Trinity Church, 250 Swinehart Road, on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 o’clock with time for visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Church or Christian Endeavor or State Sunday School at the addresses above. Mask wearing is requested for the visitation and optional for the memorial service.
Jack and I were sad to hear of Pastor Don passing. However knowing he is with the Lord, we are happy for him. He was always there for the Moyer family! I know Jack and I really appreciated him coming to the hospital to visit with Jack when he wasn’t well.
Thank you Pastor Don for your loving service of the Lord and being there when people needed you!!
Love in Christ
Jack and Carol Vose
We have missed his presents since he left Faith Church. I know he with God now. Rest in peace.
It is with sadness and joy that we learned of Don’s death. Sadness for the loved ones left behind and great joy as Don is with his Lord.
Ann and Don were sweet friends and great mentors when we worked together in the State Sunday school association.
Our prayers are with you all.
Tom & Nancy Hoffacker
Reverend McHenry was a great man and true servant of the Lord. Peace to him and his entire family.