Jonathan Earl Henry

On September 2, 2023, John Earl Henry went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his family.

John was born to Kenneth and Diane (Wonser) Henry on February 29, 1980 in Salem, Oregon; a leap year baby so technically only 10 years old! In 1982 he welcomed his sister Rebecca (Becky) into the Henry family. John graduated from North Salem High School in 1998, earning an Eagle Scout that same year.

When John worked at Audio Source, he discovered his passion for loud, bumpin’ and bangin’ stereos. He may have won countless trophies for being the loudest car in town, but he was always looking for new ways to make it bump or bang harder!

While bumping at Audio Source, he met the woman he wanted to bump and grind with the rest of his life, Shawna Willwert. They wed in 2008, and gained an incredible son, Josef. Two years later, in 2010, Isabella was born and their family was complete. Although Shawna and John enjoyed their frequent vacations to Vegas, they LOVED camping at Cove Creek and taking their boats “Honey Badger,” then “Honey Badger 2.0,” out on Detroit Lake and hanging out at Blowout… Obviously, the Honey Badgers were the loudest, rocking-est boats the Lake ever saw! That was his happy place.

John built a Jeep that he lovingly referred to as “Itty Bitty” and thoroughly enjoyed wheeling at Browns Camp or mudding, always testing it to the limit, seeing how many boulders it could conquer. Having the skills to fix just about anything came in handy on these excursions, when a skilled mechanic was necessary.

Although he would carry the passion for booming bass throughout his life, he found his professional career as a master welder, working for Mid-Valley Metal Works, Inc for 15 years. During this time he also founded John Henry Customs and created some beautiful and functional metal works, including the gates at Calvary Chapel Salem and the entrance sign.

John had the biggest heart. He enjoyed teaching others and sharing his abundant knowledge in mechanics and building, and was known for helping others in times of need. He truly was the kindest, level-headed person you ever met, and never said anything bad about anyone. And no matter how busy he was, he would always make time to catch up with you.

John is preceded in death by his mom Diane Henry; and his favorite grandma M. Joann Graham (Plemons-Henry-Clayton). He is survived by a robust family, his wife Shawna (Willwert) and daughter Isabella Henry; son Josef Willwert (Chelsea); father Kenneth Henry; sister Rebecca Potterf (Robert); nephew Kai Potterf; niece Malia Potterf; aunts Cindy Bohach (Steve) and Michelle Christensen (Duane); uncle Jim Wonser (Patty); cousins Joe and Keenan Bohach, Skyler, Tanner and Carly Christensen; sister-in-law Angela Moline; and mother-in-law Susan Corbitt. He is also survived by his beloved lab, Lola Alabama, and his kitty Clarence.

A celebration of life will be held, Sunday, September 17th at 3:00 at Calvary Chapel Salem.