W. Henry Humphrey

Henry was born August 27, 1934 in Springfield, the son of Elzie Sr. and Leota Smith Humphrey. He married Iona Carter in Corinth, MS, January 4, 1955.

He is survived by his wife Iona; son, E. Henry Humphrey of St. Louis, MO; two daughters, Iona Leota (husband Jack) Humphrey Ray and Hope (husband Greg) Humphrey Walker; and his granddaughter, Iona Jessica Ray, all of Springfield.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William Everett Humphrey; and two brothers, Elzie Glen and Thomas Humphrey.

He served in the Illinois National Guard, was a member of St. Paul’s Lodge #500 AF&AM, and the Springfield Consistory. He was honored with the Pioneer Award for his invaluable service and leadership in the produce industry from The St. Louis Produce Market, Inc. in 1994. He also received the Mayor’s Award in 2009 for Historic Preservation.

Henry went to work in his family business, Humphrey’s Market, early in his life. He and Iona have owned and operated Humphrey’s Market since 1967. Henry purchased and hauled all of the produce for the market, both wholesale and retail. He had a passion for customer service and instilled that into his family and those who worked with him. He was known by many to lend a helping hand to those in need. Until his passing Henry remained working, buying and selling produce, and sharing his many stories of his trucking years.

St. Paul’s Lodge #500 AF&AM will conduct a Masonic Service at 4:00 pm Friday, May 2, 2014 in Springfield at the Bisch and Son Funeral Home at 505 E. Allen with visitation following until 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Saturday, May 3, 2014 with Bruce Cullers officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Humphrey’s Market will be closed on Saturday, May 3, 2014 and will resume normal business hours Monday, May 5, 2014 at 7 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.