Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry passed away at the age of 72 after experiencing a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer. The announcement of his death came just hours after his family stated that he had entered hospice care. Henry was described as a man of high character and a true servant leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of Fort Wayne and its residents. He was also praised as being the best dad a son or daughter could ask for, according to his spokesperson John Perlich.
Henry had announced his diagnosis of late-stage stomach cancer in February and had begun chemotherapy in March. His initial scans revealed that the cancer had spread through his lymph nodes and other organs, leading to a bleak prognosis. Despite his health challenges, Henry was re-elected for his fifth term as mayor of Fort Wayne in November. Tragically, his wife Cindy had recently passed away in January after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year.
In addition to his health struggles, Henry had also faced legal issues, including a guilty plea to operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. This resulted in a 90-day license suspension and a suspended one-year jail sentence. The mayor was previously arrested with a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit in Indiana. Despite these challenges, Henry was remembered for his dedication to public service and his commitment to the well-being of the city and its residents.
Upon his diagnosis, Henry consulted at length with his medical team, including his oncologist, to evaluate treatment options. Ultimately, he chose comfort measures and was under the care of skilled hospice nurses in his final days. The mayor’s passing was met with an outpouring of condolences from the community, with many mourning the loss of a beloved leader. Henry’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and a caring father was a testament to his commitment to serving the people of Fort Wayne with integrity and compassion.
As Fort Wayne mourns the loss of Mayor Tom Henry, the city reflects on his contributions to its growth and development. Henry’s impact on the community will be remembered for his tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and his dedication to public service. His passing leaves a void in the city’s leadership, but his legacy of leadership and compassion will continue to inspire future generations. The people of Fort Wayne honor Mayor Henry’s memory and offer their deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
