Jon Walter “Wally” McHenry, 53, passed from this world on Feb. 21, 2013, after a brief illness.
Wally, as he was known to friends, was born Feb. 9, 1960, in Snyder, Texas. He was a proud member of the Creek Nation, one of the Five Civilized Tribes, based in Oklahoma.
A 1978 graduate of Collinsville (Okla.) High School, he went on to complete a certification program from the American School of Welding. But the same energy, excitement and enthusiasm he brought to life led him to Dallas, where he had spent the last three decades, with stops in Tulsa, New Orleans and San Francisco.
He developed a special bond with his beloved New Orleans, which he visited frequently. Wally participated in several aspects of the retail industry in recent years.
In 2002 he was awarded recognition from the Neiman Marcus Leadership Development Program as Manager of the Year, and most recently was employed with Sephora.
Wally enjoyed sports, especially football and basketball, cheering on his favorite teams, including LSU and Nebraska. March Madness was a great joy for him. His knowledge of college sports was astonishing. But he also took great pleasure in gardening, and most of all entertaining his large and diverse group of friends. Whether he was hosting or attending a function, his smile and laughter were sure to light up the room, and everyone present felt like a good friend. Wally also enjoyed seeing family and friends and had taken an extended trip to Thailand, which he enjoyed immensely.
Wally is survived by a large extended family, including his parents, Ron and Martha of Coweta, Okla.; grandmother, Josephine of Broken Arrow, Okla.; sister, Ronda McHenry of Dallas; brothers, Eli, Joe, Dan and Steve, and their spouses; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and literally hundreds of friends and co-workers throughout Dallas and the U.S. from coast to coast.
Services were held Feb. 25 at Broken Arrow Indian United Methodist Church with burial at Park Grove Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Okla.
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Barry James Milton Sullivan, a 27-year resident of Irving, Texas, who was born and raised in Memphis, moved on to the next phase of our existence on March 4 at 9:15 p.m.
By his side was his partner of 30 years, Joseph Puckett, and the two sisters he loved so very much, Lorna McClusky and Patricia Edminston.
We were so blessed, as Barry was an angel sent by God to teach us to never give up no matter what is presented to you. He trusted all that they would do right, as he knew both would benefit from it. Barry’s infectious smile, laugher and “genuine” concern for others enhanced the lives of everyone who knew him. His greatest legacy is that he made everyone feel important.
Barry’s career with American Airlines for 25 years was an integral part of his lifelong love of airlines. His crew chief said that Barry “came out every day and worked to do his best even though things may not be the best conditions or situation. He was a fighter, stronger than most.”
Barry and his partner, Joseph, traveled across the country playing a major role as members of the International Gay Bowling Organization, helping raise more than $10,000 for charity organizations. Barry’s love of drag provided the means to entertain and draw in donations.
Barry and Joseph belonged together as their love for each other was the force of their strength and their faith that in the end things will simply be all right.
Barry is survived by his partner of 30 years, Joseph Puckett; his father, Elbert B. Sullivan; his sisters, Patricia Edmiston, Lorna McClusky, Gayle Sullivan and Amy Carter (Richard); his brothers, Brooks Sullivan (Debbie) and Jeff Sullivan (Maura); his nieces, Trisa Russell (Arthur), Candace McColgon (Andrew) and Bridget Lambdin; his nephews Chris Houston (Tracy), Brian Houston (Heather), Anthory McClusky (Angela), Joseph McClusky (Amanda), Aaron McClusky (Laura), Davis Carter and Jack Sullivan; great-nieces Ashley James (Wade), Lara Boston, Kate McClusky, Madison Lambdin, Alice McClusky, Mary Elisabeth Houston and Olivia McColgon; great-nephews, Andrew Houston, Wyatt Houston, Scott Boston, Justin McClusky, Alex Russell, Porter McColgon, Max McClusky, Charlie McClusky; and as well as a great-great-niece Scarlett Wade.
Services will be at 10 a.m. March 16 at Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church, 2330 Cheyenne St. in Irving.
Friends will celebrate his life at Barry and Joseph’s home beginning at noon. For additional information, contact Joseph at jbpinc@yahoo.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 15, 2013.
