Feb. 18, 1936 — March 7, 2020

 

Henry L. McNary, 84, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Saturday evening, March 7, 2020, in his residence in the comfort of his family’s presence.

He was born Feb. 18, 1936, in Cassopolis, the youngest of five sons of Tom and Ollie McNary. He married Maxine Shelton Dec. 12, 1959, in Calvin Township, Michigan.

Henry was a likeable guy and a hard worker who took pride in taking care of his family. He was a welder at Clark Equipment Company. Following his retirement, he worked at Cass County Medical Care Facility, where he was able to be close to his mother, Ollie McNary, who was a resident. Wherever he was, Henry and his co-workers enjoyed their jobs and had fun together. He and his good friend, George Purlee, were lifelong friends, starting from when they went through Kindergarten together in the Red Brick School. Henry and George also managed to get into their share of mischief together.

Henry will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maxine McNary of Cassopolis; five children, LaVaughn (Myra) McNary, Sr., of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Sheila (Charles) Nelms, of St. Petersburg, Florida, Brenda McNary, of Dowagiac, Mary (Darryl, Sr.) Young, of Springdale, Maryland, Thomas (Karen) McNary, of Las Vegas, Nevada; 14 grandchildren, Lauren McNary, Madison McNary, Leah (Benito) Amaral, LaVaughn McNary, Jamica Nelms, Faith Nelms, Ricki McNary, Shaniqua McNary, Alydia Young, Darryl Young, Jr. India Young, Trinity Young, Shatoyia (Keith) Nelson, Gary Burns; two great grandchildren, Damien McNary, Alani Burns; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Charles McNary, Leslie McNary, Earl McNary, Cornelius McNary; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020, in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020, in Chain Lake Missionary Baptist Church, 16853 Chain Lake St., Cassopolis with calling one hour prior beginning at 1 p.m. The Reverend Norman Tubbs will officiate with Mr. McNary’s son, the Reverend LaVaughn McNary delivering the eulogy. Following the service at the church, Mr. McNary will be accorded full Military Honors. Mr. McNary will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Sumnerville, Michigan.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Henry be made to Chain Lake Missionary Baptist Church, 16853 Chain Lake St., Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.