Kenneth Clair McHenry, 82, of Everett, PA, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020 peacefully in his home. He was born January 8, 1938 in New Kensington, PA, to the late Mernice and Ada (Walters) McHenry.
Ken was raised at the Good Sheph...
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Kenneth Clair McHenry, 82, of Everett, PA, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020 peacefully in his home. He was born January 8, 1938 in New Kensington, PA, to the late Mernice and Ada (Walters) McHenry.
Ken was raised at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, Allentown, attended the Rehabilitation Center in Johnstown as a young adult, and lived for many years in Allentown and Everett, PA. Skeptics that predicted Ken would not survive past 1 year of age were clearly not aligned with God’s bigger plan. Ken was an inspiration to all who met him by always seeking out ways to enjoy life, being willing to try new things, and bringing joy to others through his great humor, including laughing, telling stories, and playing with his grandchildren. Yet Ken would always take time to listen to anyone who needed an ear.
Ken spent many hours participating in athletics throughout his life, including tennis, basketball, ping-pong, shot-put and wheelchair racing, was fascinated by the opportunities of technology, and had an amazing intellectual curiosity. A freehearted spirit, Ken competed in the Paralympics in London, England (1961) and Tokyo, Japan (1964), and at one point was the world's fastest man to compete in a wheelchair race. To recognize his amazing accomplishments, he carried the Olympic torch Sept 2,1964 from Allentown to Krumsville, PA. Of his many adventures, one could see him riding about in his self-designed motorcycle, riding a four-wheeler, loving on his pets, singing to bluegrass, fishing from Florida piers, and hanging beside a Hideaway campfire.
Ken had a successful long career at AT&T in Allentown, PA, while also working as a watchmaker. Later in life, he used his many skills to dabble in electronics, computing, and create beautiful jewelry.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Erma Jane (Claypool) McHenry; stepdaughter Elizabeth Collins and husband Matt, stepson Andrew Chipchosky, stepdaughter Jennifer Bethea and husband Carl, and grandchildren Jessica Collins, Ryan Collins, Drew Chipchosky, Brock Bethea, Bolton Bethea, and Chloe Bethea, as well as multiple Nephews and Nieces. Besides his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Anita McHenry, 6 brothers Howard, Homer, Herbert, Clifton, Lewis and Richard McHenry and 3 sisters Esther Felsing, Aldene Beacom and Lenora McHenry. And loved by his many friends he laughed with over the years.
A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held on August 1, 2020, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Hideaway Campground, Everett, PA. All invited.
Arrangements by Dalla Valle Funeral Service, Main Street, Everett.
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