Wally Henry

MALTA-Wally Henry, a WWII Veteran and retired mechanic passed away on September 25, 2015 at his home surrounded by his beloved family in Malta, Mont.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 1, at 7 p.m. at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Malta Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Wally was born August 14, 1924 on the family homestead to Miles David and Ruah Mae (Cronkite) Henry. He was the 11th of 14 children. Wally attended school in the Bennett Lake area of Phillips County and began working for the railroad between Havre and Great Falls at the age of 15. Wally's next job was at the LF Ranch near Augusta, Mont. It was there where he fostered his love for horses. His love of animals, particularly horses continued throughout his life up until his passing. In 1944, Wally enlisted in the Army and he served his country in WWII as a part of the 124th Calvary Regiment. His detachment fought in the Pacific Theater to maintain the Burma Road, a vital supply road for the Allied Forces. Wally married Rosemary Tolzien in 1948 at Glasgow, Mont. They had three children, Doug, Daniel, and Dave. They later divorced. He married Doris Demarais on October 17, 1955 and they had six children, Donna, Dexter, Delmer, Dirk, Darvin and Doreen.

Most of Wally's work life was spent as a mechanic at various garages. During his free time, he enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and coaching his sons and many other young men in the Malta Boxing Club. Wally retired at the age of 65 enabling him to enjoy his grandchildren and his garden. His love for his family and grandchildren was unparalleled, showing his affection in a way that only he could do, making each and every one feel worthy and special. He made every grandchild feel they were his favorite.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters; Ann (Gail) Masters, Stacy (Ray) Lang, Nellie (Art) Komis, Jessie (Tot) Nett, Louise (Ed) Zelenka, and Dorothy Henry; Brothers, William (Gladys), Fred, Ray (Elsie), Jack (Lorene) and Elmer (Dora).

He is survived by his wife Doris of Malta, brothers Shorty (Darlene) of Augusta, Mont., Pat of Tacoma, Wash., his nine children, Doug (Judy) of Malta, Daniel (Mel) of Pensacola, Fla., Dave (Dorene) of Wasilla, Alaska, Donna (Mark) Handley, Dexter (Janet), and Delmer (Lori), all of Malta and Dirk (Diane) of Ulm, Mont., Darvin (Debbie) of Glasgow, Mont., and Doreen (Jeff) Gruber of Libby, Mont., 33 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.