A special section honoring late Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is available inside Saturday’s edition and online. It includes tributes from residents, colleagues and family, as well as content from the newspaper’s archive.
On Wednesday, I will deliver my 17th State of the City Address. I look forward to celebrating Fort Wayne's accomplishments and discussing future plans for our city.
Recently, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. My full statement.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share that Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry passed away peacefully this evening, Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share that Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry passed away peacefully this evening, Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Statement regarding Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry from the Henry Family.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has died, his office announced Thursday evening shortly before 9 p.m. He was 72.
Earlier Thursday, the mayor's family announced that Henry was under the care of hospice nurses after experiencing a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer diagnosis.
“Mayor Tom Henry has always been kind to me, always easy to talk to, and always supportive of me and his community. I would not be who I am, or be where I am today if it were not for Mayor Henry and his support. He will forever be missed, and greatly appreciated.” Sammie
I had the privilege of meeting Mayor Tom Henry quite a few times over the past 7 years. He was so supportive of Sammie's Buddy Bench Project and always took the time to talk and listen. He was even a guest on her Sammie Smiles Podcast.
I am thankful for the friendship they had, always cheering each other on. Sammie wrote a book about being Mayor for the day inspired by her talks with Mayor Henry.
When we found out the mayor was sick we asked if we could work on getting a buddy bench honoring him. He approved it and wanted a green buddy bench to be put in Citizens Square! We got right to work and Sammie rallied the community to help collect plastic milk jugs that will be the recycled material used to get his buddy bench! Within the 2 weeks we collected (needing only 1,000 pcs) the community donated 1,760! It was a way for the community to come together and help do something special! On Tuesday we were able to update the Mayor about the progress and that the bench was ordered.
I so wanted him to be able to see it and have Sammie and him (2 buddies) sit on it. But I am glad he knew about it and it will be here soon for his family and community to see and be reminded of his love for his City of Fort Wayne Government.
You can see in the comments what the plaque will say that will go on the buddy bench
We’ll be forever grateful for Mayor Tom Henry’s leadership. 🍎
We’ll be forever grateful for Mayor Tom Henry’s leadership.
Sad day for our fine city. Rest peacefully, Mayor Tom Henry. May your family and all close to you find comfort in the memories of your leadership of and service to our community. 🙏🏼
Sad day for our fine city. Rest peacefully, Mayor Tom Henry. May your family and all close to you find comfort in the memories of your leadership of and service to our community.
Lift up Deputy Mayor and now Acting Mayor Karl Bandemer in your hearts as he assumes leadership of our community in this...
Today, we pay tribute to a different kind of author – one whose stories extend beyond books and shelves – to streets and lives. Mayor Tom Henry, you wrote new chapters for our city and harnessed ideas others couldn’t imagine. Fort Wayne is richer and more vibrant because of your leadership. Thank you for your relentless pursuit of a brighter future for us all. We will miss you, but your story – Fort Wayne’s story – will live on.
My heart goes out to the entire Henry family. Tom was a very good man who cared for this city. His passion and drive...
My heart goes out to the entire Henry family. Tom was a very good man who cared for this city. His passion and drive propelled the city forward. My sincere condolences to Tom's children Ben and Beth in this very difficult time.
It is with heartfelt sadness that the Fort Wayne Police Department and I mourn the passing of a true servant leader...
It is with heartfelt sadness that the Fort Wayne Police Department and I mourn the passing of a true servant leader Mayor Tom Henry. As we all share in the pain of his passing, we honor the dedication, principals, and commitment for which he lived his life. The positive direction in which he lead the city and police department will resonate for years to come and remind us all of his legacy and inspire us to create our own. We thank you for your unwavering service and take comfort in knowing you're eternally at peace with your loved ones who came before.
Chief Scott Caudill
Together with our community, the Visit Fort Wayne team mourns the passing of Mayor Tom Henry. We are so grateful for...
Together with our community, the Visit Fort Wayne team mourns the passing of Mayor Tom Henry.
We are so grateful for Mayor Henry’s longtime support of our mission. Recognizing the value of tourism, Mayor Henry’s work to make Fort Wayne a point-of-destination city will be one of his many lasting legacies.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Henry family.
Mayor Tom Henry was a frequent visitor to classrooms throughout the district - explaining the electoral process to high...
Mayor Tom Henry was a frequent visitor to classrooms throughout the district - explaining the electoral process to high school students, reading to elementary school students, inspiring volunteers and more. We appreciate his strong support of the city's schools and willingness to partner on numerous initiatives. Our thoughts are with his family. He will be missed.
I always appreciated each time over many years when I got to talk with, interview or spend time with Mayor...
I always appreciated each time over many years when I got to talk with, interview or spend time with Mayor Henry.
Running into him with Cindy at charitable events was particularly special.
I remember this day at the mayor’s office in February of 2020 as if it was yesterday.
Getting to see him for a moment at the station not long ago is something I’ll treasure.
I could sense how much he missed Cindy.
My heart goes out to their children, grandchildren and entire family as well as his colleagues and all of their friends.
My prayer and hope are that they can have some peace knowing a remarkable couple is together again in Heaven.
They both left this city a much better place in countless ways.
Rest in peace…
I’m so sorry to learn of the death of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry this evening. We worked closely together during the 12...
I’m so sorry to learn of the death of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry this evening. We worked closely together during the 12 years I was mayor and he was on the City Council. After he left Council in 2004, we were involved in a number of other community projects together before I left to work in DC with the Brady Center.
Tom had a long and productive record serving our community for over 40 years. He was a unifying and uplifting presence during a time when so much of our politics has become polarized and nasty. He cared for others and was always fun to be around.
I will miss Tom Henry - our community was fortunate to have benefited from his service and leadership.
Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Mayor Henry and to our community as a whole. Mayor Henry has...
Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Mayor Henry and to our community as a whole. Mayor Henry has left an unprecedented mark upon our city. His legacy not only built something for the people but also built something in the people. Rest easy, Mayor Henry, and Godspeed.
2024, March 29
The Women’s Fund is saddened by the loss of Mayor Tom Henry. He was a tremendous advocate for our initiative, and for so many other worthy causes all across our city. We send our love to the Henry family. <3
The Women’s Fund is saddened by the loss of Mayor Tom Henry. He was a tremendous advocate for our initiative, and for so many other worthy causes all across our city. We send our love to the Henry family.
Read the full statement from Stephane Frijia, President and CEO of NEI, regarding Mayor Henry's passing.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mayor Tom Henry's family and the entire Fort Wayne community as we mourn his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this challenging period. Mayor Henry's unwavering dedication to our community will leave a lasting legacy, and his absence will be deeply felt.
For anyone involved in statewide public service, Mayor Tom Henry was synonymous with Fort Wayne. The love and support...
For anyone involved in statewide public service, Mayor Tom Henry was synonymous with Fort Wayne. The love and support the city long showered upon him was surpassed only by his unwavering affection for it. No matter where you were from, Mayor Tom was the kind of positive leader who made you feel like moving there because of the long list of new things going on and he was smiling about it. I’ll treasure our conversations, sharing a stage, and his inspirational dignified demeanor. He was a Mayor’s mayor, but also a Governor’s Mayor. You could call him for anything, for advice or about a loved one, and I did. Janet and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his community of friends, coworkers, and most importantly his blessed legendary family during such a difficult time. It’s been said, that for those who walk with the Lord, goodbyes are never forever. It’s my hope and prayer, that now that he has been reunited with his bride, Cindy, his soul can rest knowing his work here is done, and we shall all meet again for a laugh or two.
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority joins our community in mourning the untimely loss of Fort Wayne Mayor, Tom...
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority joins our community in mourning the untimely loss of Fort Wayne Mayor, Tom Henry. Mayor Henry was the epitome of a servant leader who worked tirelessly to propel Fort Wayne forward. His dedication to leading the City of Fort Wayne and commitment to pursuing lasting, positive change throughout our community will be greatly missed. His loss will be felt for many years to come.
Over the years we have been lucky to work closely with Mayor Henry and his staff to extend the momentum and growth occurring throughout Fort Wayne, to Fort Wayne International Airport. Mayor Henry has long been a champion of FWA and the importance of the airport as a community asset. Mayor Henry has been vital to the growth at FWA - working hand-in-hand with Airport Authority staff and extending his thoughtful leadership to the members of the Airport Authority Board of Directors he appointed.
We extend our sincerest heartfelt condolences to the Henry family, as well as Mayor Henry’s staff and the countless community members impacted by his death, during this difficult time.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. He spent years serving his city. Sidonia and I are praying for his family, friends, and community during this difficult time. 🙏🏻
Saddened to hear of the passing of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. He spent years serving his city. Sidonia and I are praying for his family, friends, and community during this difficult time.
Today we mourn the loss, but celebrate the life, of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, a dedicated public servant and visionary...
Today we mourn the loss, but celebrate the life, of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, a dedicated public servant and visionary for our city's growth and service. Thank you for your endless support of Riverfront Fort Wayne.
The University of Saint Francis joins all of the Fort Wayne community in mourning the passing of alumnus Mayor Tom...
The University of Saint Francis joins all of the Fort Wayne community in mourning the passing of alumnus Mayor Tom Henry. We offer our condolences and prayers to the Henry family. May our friend Tom rest in the everlasting love of our Heavenly Father.
All Blacksnakes are saddened by the passing of Fort Wayne Mayor, Tom Henry, and offer our deepest condolences to his...
All Blacksnakes are saddened by the passing of Fort Wayne Mayor, Tom Henry, and offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones in this difficult time. His impact on Fort Wayne, our community and the 122nd Fighter Wing will not soon be forgotten.
Our hearts go out to the family of Mayor Tom Henry. We are deeply saddened by news of his passing. We are grateful for his years of service and leadership to the city of Fort Wayne, and always appreciated his support of the Old Fort. May his memory be a blessing.
Today, we join our Fort Wayne community in mourning the loss of Mayor Tom Henry. His dedication, leadership, and...
Today, we join our Fort Wayne community in mourning the loss of Mayor Tom Henry. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our city have left an indelible mark on us all. Mayor Henry was a dear friend and avid supporter of Purdue Fort Wayne, and his frequent visits to campus will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Mayor Henry's legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to build a brighter future for Fort Wayne. Rest in peace, Mayor Henry.
Mayor Tom Henry's passing is heavy on our hearts today. As a Mayor, he was a great supporter and advocate for trails and...
Mayor Tom Henry's passing is heavy on our hearts today. As a Mayor, he was a great supporter and advocate for trails and making Fort Wayne a more connected community. We are grateful for his support during his time in office and our hearts are with the friends, family, and team during this time of loss.
Today, we offer our deepest condolences to the Henry family as they navigate this difficult loss. We are immensely...
Today, we offer our deepest condolences to the Henry family as they navigate this difficult loss. We are immensely grateful for Mayor Henry’s dedication to our city and support for the well-being of the people who call Fort Wayne home.
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is saddened at the passing of Mayor Tom Henry and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his...
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is saddened at the passing of Mayor Tom Henry and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his family. Mayor Henry loved Fort Wayne and supported many worthy causes. He always made time in his busy schedule to support the arts, including in the Museum’s 100th anniversary year when we dedicated this sculpture, There Are Rivers, by Indiana artist Dale Enochs. Mayor Henry, you will be very missed. Rest in peace.
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved Mayor Tom Henry. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering...
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved Mayor Tom Henry. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community have left an indelible mark on Fort Wayne.
Mayor Henry's vision and passion played a significant role in the development of The Landing. As we bid farewell to Mayor Henry, we reflect on his impactful legacy, his tireless efforts, and his profound love for Fort Wayne. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to build upon the foundation he laid.
Mayor Tom Henry, you will be greatly missed, but your spirit will forever live on in the heart of our city. Rest in peace.
Karl Bandemer Sworn In: bit.ly/BandemerFW Bandemer’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in Fort Wayne’s...
Bandemer’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in Fort Wayne’s success over the past decade as he has played a key role in several major projects throughout the community that have positioned Fort Wayne as a point of destination to live, work, and play.
We stand with the community of Fort Wayne in mourning the loss of Mayor Tom Henry. Our deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family 💙
We stand with the community of Fort Wayne in mourning the loss of Mayor Tom Henry. Our deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family
Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the Henry family at this most difficult time. Mayor Henry was not only a supporter of our publications, but a friend that will be dearly missed.
Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the Henry family at this most difficult time. Mayor Henry was not only a supporter of our publications, but a friend that will be dearly missed.
"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." (Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground) Blessings to Mayor Henry's family and all whose lives he has touched. His spirit will guide us on our journeys.🕊
"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." (Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground) Blessings to Mayor Henry's family and all whose lives he has touched. His spirit will guide us on our journeys.
Mayor Tom Henry was an ardent supporter of the Arts. The Clyde Theatre team is eternally grateful for everything Mayor...
Mayor Tom Henry was an ardent supporter of the Arts. The Clyde Theatre team is eternally grateful for everything Mayor Henry did for the City of Fort Wayne and the arts community. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.
We are saddened to hear of Fort Wayne's Mayor Tom Henry passing. When he would visit the Waynedale side of town, he...
We are saddened to hear of Fort Wayne's Mayor Tom Henry passing. When he would visit the Waynedale side of town, he often made a point to stop by our office to say hi and have a conversation about the community. The photo is from 2012, the first time that our Publisher, Alex Cornwell, met Tom during a business walk.
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. mourns the loss of Mayor Tom Henry, whose dedication and heartfelt passion for our community...
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. mourns the loss of Mayor Tom Henry, whose dedication and heartfelt passion for our community truly exemplified what it means to be a servant leader. Throughout his service to our city, he led with vision and fostered meaningful partnerships that have profoundly benefited Fort Wayne. His legacy is one of collaboration and lasting impact, leaving behind a community enriched by his leadership. As we remember Mayor Henry, our thoughts are with his family and all who were touched by his remarkable life of service.
Karl Bandemer sworn in as acting mayor after Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s death Thursday. City controller Garry Morr assumes duties of deputy mayor.
Mayor Tom Henry had so much impact on the GermanFest family and festival. His presence will be missed. In his absence, we are honored to carry forth a small piece of his legacy.
Mayor Henry’s unwavering support helped GermanFest grow and become a beloved event that truly brings the community together in celebration. The annual keg tapping will not be the same without him without his jovial enthusiasm.
We miss you already.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Tom Henry. An amazing public servant and man who showed his support for...
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Tom Henry. An amazing public servant and man who showed his support for many different organizations throughout our community, including Byron. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Henry's family, friends and the city of Fort Wayne.
Mayor Henry will be missed. His support of our department and work will always be appreciated. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is deeply saddened by the news of Mayor Tom Henry's death. Mayor Henry was the representative for the third district which included Franke Park and the Zoo for many years before becoming Mayor. He was passionate about this great city, including our parks and the Zoo. His leadership will be missed.
Fort Wayne artist Gregg Bender has used his artwork as a way of expressing the recent losses of late Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and his wife Cindy Henry. (: Gregg Bender, The Journal Gazette)
During his tenure as mayor, Henry oversaw various economic development projects, including Electric Works, the Riverfront development and the construction of Parkview Field among others. He helped expand the Fort Wayne Police Department to its largest capacity ever, and he won more mayoral elections than anyone in Fort Wayne’s history.
I have been reflecting alot this weekend about my time with Tom Henry. I had the privilege to be on his campaign team, creating all his photos and videos. I have so many photos of him that never got used. My team put this awesome video together with some of the many shots we had. Just wanted something to remember such an incredible man by.
I have been reflecting alot this weekend about my time with Tom Henry. I had the privilege to be on his campaign team, creating all his photos and videos. I have so many photos of him that never got used. My team put this awesome video together with some of the many shots we had. Just wanted something to remember such an incredible man by.
2024 April 2
For most of this new century, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry was the face of the city. As news spread of his sudden passing...
For most of this new century, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry was the face of the city.
As news spread of his sudden passing after a brief battle with stomach cancer, tributes began pouring in via official channels and heart-felt social media posts.
WBOI has compiled a few of them here, and would love to hear from the community. You can send any tribute or comment to news@wboi.org
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Tom Henry. We honor and will remember Mayor Tom Henry for his long tenure of dedicated public service to the citizens of Fort Wayne. “Our future is now at Electric Works,” he said at his State of the City. We will continue to work diligently to realize the future he and the community have envisioned.
2024 April 3
Karl Bandemer has taken on Tom Henry’s work, but not his office. Fort Wayne’s deputy mayor since 2013, Bandemer still...
Karl Bandemer has taken on Tom Henry’s work, but not his office.
Fort Wayne’s deputy mayor since 2013, Bandemer still works on his own projects, in his own space, across a wide Citizens Square hallway from where Henry toiled until his sudden death last Thursday.
Mayor Henry laying in state at the Allen County Courthouse: As part of some research on the courthouse a few years back I looked into those who had laid in repose there. Given Mayor Tom Henry's viewing there this week on April 10th and 11th I thought I would share those findings.
Major-General Henry Ware Lawton who although he died in the Philippines on December 19, 1899 his body did not arrive in Fort Wayne until the morning of February 5,1900. He lay in state for just that day and then that evening his body went to Indianapolis on its way to Arlington National Cemetery where he is interred. At the time of this event I don't believe the dome was on the yet unfinished courthouse. A photograph of the event showed the coffin not in the center of the first floor but rather on one of the two wings. Lawton is the area's only recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. His death was the result of a snipers bullet. In addition to the statue of him in Lakeside Park there is another in Garfield Park in Indianapolis…………..
The second and I believe only other person to lie in state at the courthouse was World War I ace Paul Frank Baer. Baer died on December 9, 1930 in Shanghai, China. His body returned to Fort Wayne, he lie in state at the courthouse on January 2nd, 1931 and was then interred at Lindenwood on January 3rd. Baer had received the Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster. Baer was taking off in a float plane on the Yahtzee River when it struck the mast of a Chinese Junk and flipped over resulting in his death.
2024, April 9
Visitation and funeral arrangements have been announced for Mayor Tom Henry. Read: https://bit.ly/3TPMlfS
We take a moment to honor the legacy of two men who meant much to our organization.
2024, April 10
The line for former Mayor Henry’s visitation this afternoon at the Allen County Courthouse was a third of the way around the building before the doors opened at 2 p.m. #fortwayne#tomhenrypic.twitter.com/C5ofFSAqnY
John Perlich, Fort Wayne’s Director of Public Information, joined 21Alive’s Linda Jackson to reflect on his friendship and work with the late Mayor Tom Henry.
A crowd was already lined up outside the courthouse before the doors opened for Mayor Henry's visitation this afternoon.
REMEMBERING MAYOR TOM HENRY: Perhaps the person who worked closest with the mayor, Director of Public Information John Perlich, sat down with WANE 15 on Wednesday to share his memories of working with Mayor Henry and their friendship. Full story: https://www.wane.com/top-stories/fort-waynes-director-of-public-information-reflects-on-mayor-tom-henry-and-their-friendship/
REMEMBERING MAYOR TOM HENRY: Perhaps the person who worked closest with the mayor, Director of Public Information John Perlich, sat down with WANE 15 on Wednesday to share his memories of working with Mayor Henry and their friendship.
Felts estimates he has at least 50,000 photos of the mayor from all the appearances he made. They range from political events to news conferences to lightearted moments like when the mayor shaved off his mustache without telling anyone in 2017.
Hundreds packed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to pay their last respects to Mayor Tom Henry at his funeral this morning. In his homily, Father Bill Kummer commended Henry's contributions to the community and spoke of hope in the resurrection in light of the Easter season.
Before the funeral Mass, a representative from Governor Eric Holcomb's office presented Henry's family with the Sagamore of the Wabash award, the state's highest individual honor.
On Friday, April 12, hundreds of people packed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to pay their respects to the...
In his homily at Mayor Thomas C. Henry's funeral, Father Bill Kummer, Pastor of St. Joseph – Hessen Cassel, recalled that he, Monsignor Robert Schulte, and Henry “were boys together. … We knew each other in many ways and experienced all that fun of growing up – of trying to sort out a life of faith in the world, and then to ultimately follow our chosen and given vocations.”
On Friday, April 12, hundreds of people packed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to pay their respects to the late Fort Wayne Mayor Thomas C. Henry, who died on Thursday, March 28, at age 72, a little more than a month after revealing a late-stage cancer diagnosis.
As our city prepares to make our final farewell to Mayor Henry later today, I thought I would share this brief memorial I wrote for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. This tribute was published with those of a number of community leaders this past weekend in a special section of the newspaper.
One does not have to look far into the life of Tom Henry before realizing that he was, above all else, a man of service.
As someone who had the honor of serving as long as he did on City Council and worked with him as our mayor, his determination to serve Fort Wayne as well as he could was evident to everyone he met.
It was a lesson that was a part of his family. His father was a legendary servant in the nonprofit community. His siblings have worked hard in their various roles to serve Fort Wayne in different ways. I know how much his brother’s service in the military meant to him.
Mayor Henry was so proud to dedicate a bridge to the memory of all who served our country.
My great joy working in local government is that you do not have to agree with someone to work with them. While we had our differences, I know from firsthand experience the sacrifice involved with serving your community and how important the support of his family, particularly his wife and children, was to help him be the leader we all knew him to be.
We did not always agree, but we worked together in spite of those disagreements to help make Fort Wayne a better place to live.
Fort Wayne said goodbye to Mayor Tom Henry on Friday morning with a service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception downtown, followed by a procession through town leading to internment at Catholic Cemetery. I was tasked with covering the procession route, starting at the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Lafayette Street before moving to East State Boulevard and then to the cemetery. These are some of the images captured along the way. This one was tough for many reasons.
2024, April 19
Today, family and friends of the late Mayor Tom Henry unveiled and dedicated a new Buddy Bench in honor of Mayor Henry...
: Gregg Bender, The Journal Gazette)
