Douglas Lee Henry

Douglas Lee Henry (1956-2025) After a courageous battle with prostate, neuroendocrine and glioblastoma brain cancer, Douglas Lee Henry, cherished husband, brother, father, son, and grandpa, was handed his final time slip on May 27, 2025, after he crossed this life’s finish line much sooner than expected. 

Doug was born on January 23, 1956, and grew up in Clinton, Iowa. He was one of 6 children born to Ronald and Phyllis (Graham) Henry. 

He learned from an early age to work hard, and that incredible work ethic carried on throughout his life. He learned mechanical prowess from his father, and necessity taught him the patience and confidence to fix almost anything. These humble beginnings sparked a lifelong passion for machines and problem-solving. Those who knew him benefitted by his generosity in serving others through these skills. 

Baseball was one of Doug’s greatest passions, a love instilled in him by his father, who coached his Little League teams and took him to St. Louis to cheer on the Cardinals—memories Doug held close to his heart. 

At Clinton High School, Doug formed lifelong friendships, especially with Mike Logan and Russ Bass. Their bond grew through baseball, but after high school, the trio shifted their focus to slow-pitch softball, competing for years, and even making it to the Iowa State Championships. They shared countless wild adventures together, including motorcycle riding and hunting. 

Some of Doug’s fondest memories revolved around the thrill of working on and racing cars. His passion took root in his teenage years when close friends encouraged him to drag race his 1965 Mustang Fastback at Cordova Raceway. With their urging—including covering the entry fee and stepping in as his pit crew—Doug took the leap, and entered the race. That exhilarating moment ignited a lifelong love affair with cars and the adrenaline-fueled world of racing. Through the years, he raced on 14 different tracks throughout the Midwest and Western United States. Not only did he love the thrill of the race, he enjoyed time spent with his brother, son, daughter, nephew and many close friends he met along the way. Once retired, Doug spent numerous hours racing and working on his 1015 Horsepower 1965 Ford Falcon (or “The Mistress” as Jill liked to refer to her).

After working jobs he found mundane, Doug pursued training as an ammunition inspector for the U.S. Department of Defense and worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist for Ammunition Surveillance (QASAS) – a career that would span nearly 34 years and take him across the country and around the world. He served assignments in Illinois, California, Germany (2x), Bosnia, Maryland, Japan, Utah (2x), Iraq (2x), and Colorado. He found his job fulfilling, purposeful and challenging. He was a meticulous professional, once catching a critical flaw in a missile system - a moment that saved lives and earned others recognition, though Doug asked for none. He taught students about nuclear weapon safety, worked in international conflict zones, and mentored others in his field with a quiet strength. His dedication earned him many accolades, including being named QASAS of the Year in 2009. He received numerous promotions and military recognitions for his hard work and dependability.

With each new location, he looked forward to getting out and exploring the region, which resulted in many adventures and an enthusiasm for travel. A favorite activity was skiing in the Jungfrau Alps of Switzerland, and with his wife in Garmisch, Germany. 

He embarked on the greatest adventure of his life when he married his soulmate, Jill Richins, in 2007. From that moment on, every experience became richer and more meaningful. Side by side they hiked, camped, skied, biked, and explored the world. They shared an unbreakable bond as best friends and cherished spending time with their family and friends. 

Doug raised 3 amazing children – Tawnya, Ross and Ciegi. He poured his heart into fatherhood, always making time for his kids and providing wonderful memories for them to look back on. He cherished his children and stepchildren, instilling in them a deep appreciation for life, a love for animals, a tireless work ethic, the importance of trying new things, the necessity of having fun, and most especially the “need for speed”.

Although he didn’t often express his affection verbally, Doug showed his love through acts of service and quality time. His tough guy exterior completely melted away when he interacted with children. He adored his grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, and they  adored him back. He would spend hours playing games or patiently teaching them a new skill. Doug also had a soft spot for his beloved dogs Trooper and Max. 

Despite being disappointed in his terminal prognosis, he always maintained a positive attitude and never complained. Before passing, Doug shared that he was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with and say goodbye to his loved ones and friends. He expressed gratitude for the love and support of family members, good neighbors and friends (you know who you are), and all that was done for him while he was sick. He appreciated the excellent care he received from his personal CNA, Samual Choi. And he was especially thankful for Jill’s advocacy and incredible selflessness as she took care of him over the past 3 years. 

Doug was preceded in death by his father Ronald Henry, his sister Rebecca Henry, his mother-in-law Judy Richins and his two friends Russ Bass and Mike Logan. He is survived by his wife, Jill Richins Henry (Hurricane, UT); his mother Phyllis Graham Henry (Lady Lake, FL); his children and stepchildren - Tawnya Stoneking (Mike), Tipton, IA; Ross Henry (Loren), Edmonds, WA; Ciegi Bustle (Dean), Morrow, OH; Jessica Moyer (Paul), Sandy, UT; Samantha Taufui (Misi), Nuku’alofa, Tonga; and Giosue “Josh” Ciacchella, SLC, Utah. 

He is also survived by his sisters Rosalind Humlick (Randy) Eldridge, Iowa; Sue Seals (Jerry), Marshalltown, IA; Cheryl Floming (Kevin), Cordova, IL; brother Greg Henry (Alicia) San Jose, CA; father-in-law Ross Richins (Sylvia), Draper, UT; and 9 beloved grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, and 8 grand-dogs. 

A friend said, “Doug will be remembered not just for the life he lived, but for how he lived it - with hands in the grease, wind in his hair, love in his heart, adventure in the forecast, and burning rubber. Drive fast, Doug. You’ve earned the checkered flag. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at McArthur Funeral Home (160 West 700 South), St. George, Utah on June 7th at 2:00 pm. The Celebration of Life for Iowa family and friends will be held at the Am Vets Club (1317 South 17th St, Clinton, IA) on June 22nd at 1 PM. Burial will take place at the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. As per Doug’s request, T-shirts and casual attire only; no suits, ties or dresses allowed.