David Mark Henry

David Mark Henry passed at his son’s home in Houston on October 16, 2024, at the age of 67 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His life was full of accomplishments as evidenced in both the academic world and in his professional career, but the real joy of his life was his family, whom he absolutely adored. 

David was born in Hearne, Texas, on October 15, 1957, to Claude Pendleton Henry, Jr., and Martha Lillian Mathews Henry. He spent his formative years in Huntsville, Texas, graduating from Huntsville High School in 1976. He was the salutatorian of his high school class, co-editor of the high school yearbook, and a letterman on the basketball team. He graduated with honors with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1980. He entered the workforce with Exxon Corporation and began a distinguished 37 year career in the oil fields. He was well-known for his reservoir engineer work and received accolades for his tertiary recovery project work. During his career, he worked in numerous oil fields to include the Permian Basin of West Texas, offshore fields in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as international oil fields in the Middle East and Angola. 

David’s real pride, however, was his family. While in Midland, he met his wife, Melissa, and together they began their 34-years of marriage together. Daughter, Amy, and son, Tyler, eventually became the center of their universe. David’s top priority was to provide for his family, materially and spiritually. He was active in their lives and supported them in all their endeavors. In time came a son-in-law, Zac Haug, and a daughter-in-law, Katie Miller Henry, whom he accepted with open arms and loved as if his own, even before they were married. The crown jewel, granddaughter Nora Haug, joined the family in 2023, and David was never prouder. David’s faith was also evident in his lifelong membership in the Methodist Church and by raising his family in a Christian home. 

David is survived by his wife, Melissa Frank Henry; daughter Amy Nicole Haug, and husband, Zachary, of Dallas, Texas; son Tyler Scott Henry, and wife, Katie, of Houston; and granddaughter, Nora Marie Haug. Also, a few days before God called him home, Amy and Zac shared with him that they were expecting their second child in April 2025. The boy will be named David Scott Haug. David professed that it was the best gift that he could ever receive. 

In addition, David is survived by brother, Patrick Henry, and wife Judy, of Houston; sister Jamie Tillerson, of Richmond; and brother, Tom Henry, and wife, Lynda, of College Station; and brother-in-law, Craig Frank of Big Spring. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held at noon on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Norwood Cemetery in Hearne.