Donald Lloyd ‘Dirt’ Henry
Donald Lloyd ‘Dirt’ Henry, age 87, a lifelong resident of Connellsville passed away suddenly on Friday, October 18, 2013 at Highlands Hospital after spending the day doing what he enjoyed most, buying automobiles at the auto auction with his sons Bobby and Gary.
He was born February 25, 1926 in Connellsville Pa., the son of Albert E. Henry and Opal (Sparks) Henry.
‘Dirt’ loved life and talking to people. He enjoyed telling stories of his past and kept every body laughing.
His favorite pastime was auto racing. He started his own race team in 1960 until 2005 when he decided to sponsor the Pologruto Motorsports #11 and #95 cars.
He especially enjoyed watching his youngest son Bobby race the #11 car at the Motordrome Speedway and at many other tracks.
‘Dirt’ owned/operated Henry’s Motor Sales since 1956 and still spent every day there even though his health had been failing since the passing of his wife Cleo (Freeman) Henry, who died in 2012.
‘Dirt’ had several jobs before starting his used car business. Among them were driving street cars for the West Penn Railways, also drove bus for Fayette Coach Lines, hauled coal for Davidson Coal, and hauled freight for Atlantic Freight Lines
He served in United States Air Force during World War II.
‘Dirt’ was noted for being a good, honest businessman who always treated people fairly. He never failed to help someone in their time of need.
‘Dirt’ was a member of Connellsville Elks Lodge No. 503, the American Legion and Pennsylvania Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
He was a past Director of the former Yough Valley National Bank, now Scottdale Bank.
He graduated from Connellsville High School, Class of 1944 and was a lifelong member of the Christian Church of Connellsville.
‘Dirt’ is survived by five children: his daughter, Sharon (Bill) Showman, Connellsville, four sons: Gary (Cindy) Henry and her children Matthew and Courtney Rusinko of Greensburg; Richard (Jeanne) Henry, Jeff Henry and his special friend Sharon Prutz, and Bobby Henry and his fiancée Leighann Keedy and her children Kylie and Kolby Keedy, all of Connellsville; also grandchildren: Jennifer (Scott) Eans, Brian Showman, Casey Henry, Eryn Henry; five great grandchildren: Riley, Spencer and Shane Eans, Malachi Showman and Rylan Brady.
‘Dirt’ was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Besides his wife and his parents, he was predeceased by his four brothers, Earl ‘Cap’ Henry, Howard Henry who was lost at sea during World War II, Paul Henry and Glenn Henry.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 East Green St., Connellsville, where Services will be held Thursday, October 24, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Chris Stillwell officiating
Memorial contributions can be made to the Nicholson Cancer Fund, c/o Connie Nicholson, 2511 Springfield Pike, Connellsville, PA 15425.
To sign the online Guest Registry, please visit www. – brooksfuneralhomes.com