Harry W. Henslee

INDIANAPOLIS – Harry W. Henslee, age 86, of Indianapolis, passed away Thursday March 23, 2023, at Community East Hospital. Born on December 15, 1936, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Harry A. Henslee and Julia E. (O’Hern) Henslee. While still in high school at Arsenal Technical High School, he joined the Marines JROTC. After high school, he spent several years as a mechanic in the United States Marines Corps, and was stationed in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Rita (Moistner.) They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2019, and were married for 62 years, until Rita’s death in 2022. Ever the hard worker, Harry held many varied and interesting jobs throughout his life. From a newspaper route as a young child, to milkman and mechanic, to a bartender and short order cook at his brother-in-law’s bar, to owning his own cleaning service and to being a delivery driver for both Progress Linen and Nelson Oil Company. Harry took pride in each one, and was someone who could be depended on. In his spare time, Harry loved fishing – especially fly fishing, NASCAR, woodworking, watching comedy and home improvement shows, and buying far, far too many tools. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harry is survived by his loving children, Tim Henslee of Indianapolis, Tara Henslee of Indianapolis, and Teresa Moore (Alan) of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Josh Whelchel, Corey Whelchel, Dakota Whelchel, and Eliza Moore; great-grandchildren, Cadence Whelchel, Corbin Whelchel, Cambria Whelchel, Caine Whelchel, Zuri Setters, and Zoey Whelchel; and siblings Robert (Vickie) Henslee and Esther Henslee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Julia Henslee; wife Rita Henslee; daughter Tammy Whelchel; great-grandchild, Colten Whelchel; sister, Betty Craig; and brother, Jerry Henslee. Visitation and funeral service will be held Monday, April 3, 2023 at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm with the funeral service beginning at noon. Chaplain Rob Mifflin will be officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Christian Church Cemetery. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com

Harry W. Henslee

December 15, 1936 - March 23, 2023