Murray R. Henry, 95, of Cherry Tree, PA died Sunday, July 30, 2017 at the St. Benedict Manor in St. Benedict, PA.
The son of John C. and Florence J. (Rager) Henry, he was born on August 30, 1921 in Montgomery Twp., Indiana Co., PA.
Murray served as a Specialist Third Class in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII.
He married his wife, Roberta “Bobbi” E. (Westover) Henry on July 26, 1944 and they enjoyed sixty-seven years together until her death on December 15, 2011.
A man of versatile interests and talents, Murray owned and operated a dairy farm for ten years. His work in the coal mining industry encompassed employment as a coal inspector for eighteen years with Shaw Coal and Coke Co., as well as being the owner of Murray Coal Co. in Morrisdale, PA.
In partnership with Ben and Butch Shick, Murray was a founder of Pioneer Lake, Inc. in Montgomery Twp., Indiana Co., PA. This enterprise became well known in the area as “Pioneer Lake,” a recreational destination that involved the lake activities, as well as sites for homes and campers.
One of Murray’s greatest joys was sitting under the concession stand he and his wife Bobbi ran at the Pioneer Lake Pavilion, where he would drink coffee and chat with friends.
For ten years, Murray and Bobbi were the owners of Pioneer Lunch Restaurant, known for its homemade cooking.
Murray enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending their winters in Florida.
An outdoorsman, he liked to go hunting, but it must be mentioned that Murray absolutely LOVED to mow his grass and tend to his gardening projects.
Murray is survived by his seven children: Martha R. Shadle and husband Rodney of Spanaway, WA; Linda K. Manns and husband Bob of Ada, OH; Sue C. Coil of Denton, TX; Ed Henry and Cindy of Hillsdale, PA; David E. Henry of Palm Desert, CA; Bobbie Jeanne Repine and husband Ken of Cherry Tree, PA and Donald W. Henry and wife Shelby J. of Cherry Tree, PA; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife and his nine brothers and sisters: John W. Henry; Beulah Orr; James J. Henry; Alice Baker; twins Delmont and Almont Henry; Alvin E. Henry; Sidney G. Henry and Frank Henry.
In keeping with Murray’s request, there will not be a public funeral service. A private funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Robert Sunseri with a private interment at the Thompson Cemetery in Hillsdale, PA. Private family arrangements were also held for his wife Bobbi’s funeral arrangements in 2011.
So that all of Murray and Bobbi’s family and friends may now have an opportunity to share time together in honor of this special couple, all family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Gathering to celebrate the lives of both Murray and his wife Bobbi to be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd, in Hillsdale, PA.
Memorial contributions may be forwarded to the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital and the Make A Wish Foundation.
