Marvin Alman Henry

Marvin Alman Henry, born August 22, 1931, passed away peacefully July 2, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth Bales Henry, as well as his parents Otha Alman Henry and Alma Myers Henry.  Marvin is survived by his son Rex (Carla) Henry and his daughter JoEllen (Thomas) Thompson.  He is also survived by four grandchildren Kirsten (Jason) Morrison, Megan (Chad) Cates, Justin (Abby) Thompson, and Lindsey (Bret) Holbrook.  Marvin was called GGpa by his eight adoring great-grandchildren, Will and Zach Morrison, Ben and Sophia Cates, Annabelle and Anthony Thompson, and Lilia and Bennett Holbrook.

Dr. Henry grew up in Gosport, Indiana where he learned to value the gift of education from a young age.  This love of education led him to Indiana State Teachers College where he graduated in 1953.  Forever the student and lifelong learner, Marvin worked diligently to earn his M.S. in Secondary Education Administration in 1958 and his Ed. D. in secondary education in 1963 from Indiana University.  He accomplished this goal all while becoming a father, teaching social studies and serving as department chairman at Martinsville High School, and serving two years in the United States Army.  He later joined ISU as supervisor of student teachers, Director of Student Teaching, and Department Chairperson until his retirement in 1994.

Marvin’s contributions to education spread well beyond Indiana State.  He was very involved in the Association of Teacher Education (ATE), serving as president from 1977-1978.  In addition to ATE, he was involved in countless other professional organizations.  He was the principal author of Supervising Student Teachers the Professional Way, which is still in publication today.  His expertise was utilized at a number of universities as well as in journals and textbooks.  He was chairman of the Indiana Teacher Advisory Council from 1980-1984 and an original selection for the Indiana Teacher Educator Hall of Fame.  He considered himself privileged to have the opportunity to pursue higher education and sought to help others with the same goal.

As passionate as he was about education, he was equally passionate about his faith.  Dr. Henry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Terre Haute for over 60 years where he served in many capacities.  He was a member of the American Baptist General Assembly Board and served as president in 1989.  Shortly before his retirement he became a member of the board of directors for the Baptist Homes of Indiana, once again taking on the role of president from 1998-2000.  Dr. Henry was a guest speaker at various churches and was published in religious journals.

Marvin and Ruth enjoyed many breaks in Cocoa Beach, Florida over the years.  In his retirement he enjoyed fishing, traveling, and interacting with friends and family.  With help from Tabco, he also wrote and published three books, including his memoirs entitled An Ordinary Man in an Extraordinary World.  However, those who knew him considered him to be the extraordinary one and are grateful for this treasure he left behind.

Dr. Henry will be remembered for his patience (never once raising his voice, but always being heard and respected), eloquence (capturing events and people perfectly through his written word and speeches), and his witty personality (injecting humorous one-liners at just the right time).  His family and friends have been left with the gift of several poems and other profound thoughts that he often considerately prepared and shared with them on holidays throughout the years. Until the day he died, Marvin lived a life of purpose and ambition. He kept up- to- date on education, sports, and most importantly the things happening in the lives of his loved ones.  His sharp memory enabled him to share entertaining stories with those visiting him and left them all forever blessed and inspired.

Dr. Henry’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Hands that Serve, VNA/Hospice of the Wabash Valley, 5th Floor staff of Westminster Village, and JR Pharmacy at Baesler’s for their care and concern.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Terre Haute First Baptist Church, 4701 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803 or the ISU Foundation (Dr. Marvin Henry Legacy Scholarship), 30 N. 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809.

Visitation is scheduled from 10:30 AM- 12:00 Noon, Saturday, July 8, 2023 in First Baptist Church, 4701 Poplar Street followed by Funeral Services and a Celebration of Marvin’s life at 12:00 Noon with Reverend John Campbell officiating.  Family and friends are encouraged to continue visiting and sharing of memories immediately following services with a meal prepared in the church.  A private burial will be scheduled prior to services in Friendship Park Cemetery in Paragon, IN.

Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .