James “Larry” Henry, 79, of Crowell, Texas, passed away on Oct. 9, 2025.
Larry was born on Aug. 25, 1946. He married his high school sweetheart, Jill Cooper, and together, they shared 58 years of love, family and adventure.
Larry dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Childress, Texas. His faith quietly guided him throughout his life, shaping his character, his devotion to family and his service to others.
Larry began his career with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on July 11, 1967, was promoted to Captain in September 1993 and retired on July 31, 2002, after 35 years of service. The DPS motto — “Courtesy, Service, Protection” — was more than a creed to Larry; it reflected the way he lived, both in uniform and with family and friends. His fellow troopers became a second family, and he was known as a leader who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with them. Though retired for over 23 years, the friendships he built in his career remained a strong and lasting bond.
Family was the cornerstone of Larry’s life. As the proud patriarch of his family, he guided with strength, humor and love. He cherished holiday meals, playing games, telling stories and never missed a chance to coach or attend the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. Known as “Pops,” Larry was strong — a man’s man — but with his grandchildren, that strength became a quiet, steady and fierce kind of love that left no doubt how deeply he cared for them. Pops showed up — for every game, every moment, every need — because that’s what love looked like to him.
After retiring, Larry and Jill spent several years in Lubbock, Texas, chasing grandkids and loving their family. In recent years, they returned to their hometown of Crowell, where he fulfilled his dream of owning land, raising chickens and cattle and returning to his country roots.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Jill Henry; his son, James Scot Henry, and wife Jennifer; his son, Gary Henry, and wife Amie; his sister, Thelma Lee Ayers; and his brother, Dale Henry, and wife Carolyn. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Ashley Henry, Joshua Henry and wife Victoria, Christopher Henry, Brennon Henry, Lauren Henry and Brady Henry; his great-granddaughter, Brynlee; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Lester and Thelma Henry; his brother, Jim Henry; and his brother-in-law, H.L. Ayers.
Larry will be remembered as a man of strength, integrity and devotion — one who loved God, his family and his fellow troopers and friends. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the values he instilled and the family he cherished above all.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crowell Cemetery Association, Inc., P.O. Box 133, Crowell, TX 792270133, or Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, calfarley.org.
