Athletics were a defining part of Jerry’s life, successful in many different sports and excelling in football and baseball. After graduating from Bartlesville High School in 1987, he attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College to play both sports. His baseball career continued at Coffeeville Community College where he also first entered the coaching ranks, something that he would continue in one form or another for the rest of his life.
He went on to coach football and baseball at Star Spencer High School, and was very proud of the 2009 Football State Championship ring that the team won. Jerry also spent many years helping to coach, organize and operate community youth football and baseball programs with the Norman Optimist Club. He organized competitive baseball teams that traveled the country, resulting in multiple young men receiving opportunities to continue their careers collegiately.
Jerry often talked sarcastically about not liking people. Those who knew him will tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. He was a kind and caring man who knew that a fulfilled life meant a sense of purpose beyond self. His involvement in youth athletics and a particular fondness for helping young people find opportunity for success are things that will long be remembered. His dedication to others, his family and friends, was a special quality. He changed so many lives for the better.
As for his family, Jerry would tell you that they were everything that made life worth living.
He had a profound sense of purpose when it came to his boys, Matt and Bryce, and poured everything he ever had into ensuring their growth and development into the incredible young men that they are today. They are his legacy, created in partnership with the love of his life, Stacy.
On October 2, 1993, Jerry married his loving wife Stacy.
Jerry and Stacy were puzzle pieces that fit together to form one. He often told friends that she was the best thing that ever happened to him, usually quickly followed by “but don’t tell her I said that.” Their bond was incredible, and it was evident to anyone spending time around them that they balanced each other in a perfect way.
Jerry will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, coach, incredible friend, grumpy old man, instigator of cutting remarks and jokes, willing target of the same in return, and one of the best people to walk this earth. His loss leaves incredible pain, but an overwhelming amount of joy and happiness to fill the void.
Jerry was a well-known and respected moving and transportation professional, with a long career in both sales and operations management. He studied business administration at The University of Oklahoma and was a long-standing OU season ticket holder. He loved spending time with his family and spent the past year being amazed by his grandbaby, Penelope.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Stacy, son, Bryce and wife Michelle, son, Matthew and wife Ashlyn, sisters, Maryann Heredia, Maryjane Colombini, Rosalie DeLeon Ardis, cousin, Debbie Labadie Leister, and granddaughter, Penelope, as well as two dogs, Brogan and Layla.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and a dog Duke.
A memorial service for Jerry will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Henshall family.
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