Duane Henry

Funeral Services for Duane Henry will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Dave Irwin officiating.  Interment will follow at the Orleans Cemetery at Orleans, with Military Honors provided by the Orleans American Legion Post #184 in conjunction with the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; the Henry family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. Duane's funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Homes Facebook page.  ( https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622 )

Robert Duane Henry, 84 years of age, of Orleans, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Harlan County Health Systems in Alma, Nebraska. Duane was born on December 21, 1936, on a farm in Harlan County, south of Orleans. He was the second of two children born to Jesse Sherman and Clara Mae (Vahle) Henry. Duane received his primary education from the Springbrook District #26 Country School and then attended Long Island High School, graduating with the class of 1954.

Duane was inducted into the United States Army on August 16, 1960. He completed his Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Hood, Texas. Duane served overseas at Darmstadt, Germany with the 28th Artillery for 18 months. Every day of those 18 months, his mother wrote him a letter. Duane told his family how overwhelmed he felt as he saw the Statue of Liberty slip out of sight. In the Army, Duane drove a rocket launcher and guarded the Czechoslovakian border. Duane was very proud of his time spent serving his country. Following his discharge in 1962, Duane returned home and pursued his passion beginning his own farming operation.

On a blind double date with another girl at the Phillipsburg Drive Inn, Duane actually met the girl of his dreams, who happened to be on a blind date with his friend. Duane and Leanna Culwell began dating in December, were engaged in February, and were married on July 5, 1964 at the First Christian Church in Phillipsburg, Kansas. The couple made their home in Orleans. God blessed this union with three children: Renee, Stacy, and Michael. Duane worked as a farmer/rancher for 50 plus years before retiring in 2010.

Duane was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, and the Orleans American Legion Post #184.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Clara Henry; his sister, Darlene Jacobs; his father-in-law and mother-in-law:  Dick and Kathleen Culwell; his sister-in-law Naomi Griffin; and two brothers-in-law:  Jerry McCready; and Derald Lewis.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his wife of 56 years, Leanna Henry of Orleans; his daughters:   Renee Haussermann and her husband, James of Bloomington, Nebraska; Stacy Lambert and her husband, Dereck of Lincoln, Nebraska; and son, Michael Henry and his wife, Lauren of Juniata, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren: Ethan Haussermann and his wife, Josie; Caitlyn Christiancy and her husband, Trenton; Chase Haussermann; Karsen Haussermann; Brehan Lambert; Avery Lambert; Tatum Lambert; Rowan Lambert; Teagan Duncan and her fiancée, Will Frederick; Isaac Henry; and Carter Henry; he was expecting his first great-granddaughter to be born in July; two sisters-in-law:  Pat McCready; and Dorothy Lewis; and many nieces and nephews.

Those of you who knew Duane well, knew that his life consisted of much more than dates and places. From a young age, Duane had an extreme love of horses. Duane had a dry sense of humor that kept many a person on their toes. He loved to read, he loved to dance, he loved his old Western's, and he loved his country. But his greatest love was Leanna, his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, with the family greeting from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

A memorial has been established in Duane's honor, and kindly suggested to the Presbyterian Church in Orleans or the Orleans American Legion Post #184.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.