Stephen Daniel Henry
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A memorial visitation for Stephen Henry, 55, Lawrence will be held 6:00 – 8:00 pm Monday, March 21, 2016 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Private inurnment at Pioneer Cemetery will be held at a later date. Stephen passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at his home.
Stephen was born April 28, 1960 in Lawrence, KS, the son of Martin Hooper “Mutt” and Jeanette Mae (Hambrecht) Henry.
He served his country in the United States Navy.
He played guitar for The Band That Saved The World which was a local Lawrence band.
Survivors include his son, Cody Henry, Lawrence; two daughters, April Henry and Isabelle Henry; brother, Philip Henry, Fairfax, VA; and sister, Janet Hodges. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette, January 27, 2004 and father, Martin, October 29, 2015.
Breaks my heart…more like shattered. Steve was a very unique individual. Those who new him know what I’m talking about. Not just a great musician..he had a rare spirit. I will always appreciate the talks we had..about so many things.
It’s raining today…
The sky is crying…
So very sorry to hear about your passing, old Friend. Last saw you in Naples, Italy 1972. We connected on FB a while ago, unfortunately never got to see you in person again. Not sure what happened to you, but I will always remember you as a kind soul. RIP old Friend.
Ken Conoly
God must have decided to gather His finest musicians together for a celebration this year. Steve’s eyes would twinkle when he’d catch sight of someone intently listening to what he was putting down. We were privileged to see that twinkle time and time again. His stage presence was captivating. He was so unique and a free spirit. We grew to love him. We send our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed, but lovingly remembered every time we hear a guitar riff that moves us.
Mike and Diana Morris
Played with Steve in JR high and at open jams around town lately. You will be missed my brother .
Thank you for always being, uniquely, you, Steve. You have left us far too soon, but your smile, your laughter, your amazing guitar playing, and your uncanny “Stevenese” language remain firmly in my (and many others’) memory. I’m glad our journeys gave us time to occasionally walk together and share a beer, a story, a song. Rest well and rock on, brother.
I first met Steve in the West junior High band room, early 70’s. I was playing the drums in a little practice room, when he banged on the window. I opened the door & he complimented my playing, introduced himself, said he played guitar & we should jam. We started a band called Euphoria, that did mostly Jimi Hendrix songs. We stayed friends ever since, playing in lots of groups together and apart. I was lucky to know his great parents. Two Lovely ex wives, & 3 awesome kids. I’m very saddened to loose another special childhood friend way too young. Steve had his share of personal problems that seemed to keep getting in the way, of his one dream of being a rock star. To me he always was a rock star. A fiercely talented guitarist, with a very fun, charismatic personality, & a huge heart. I’ll miss you Steve. See you in the next one. Hope I’m not too late.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to Stephen’s family and friends. The pain, grief, and feelings of helplessness that come when we lose someone we love to death can sometimes be unbearable. But we are not left to cope with our grief alone. We can receive comfort from the one who knows the depth of our pain better than anyone else. The Bible helps us to understand that death is God’s enemy and he promises that he is going to put an end to sickness and death. I hope that his word will strengthen and comfort you through this difficult time. May his loving promises bring you hope for the future.
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Psalms 37:29; Revelation 21:3, 4
I first met Steve eight years ago after a Band that Saved the World show. I went with Steve’s son Cody, a good friend of mine with whom I had just formed a band, and we were both young and hungry. When Steve played, I could quickly see where his son got his explosive musical talent, as well as his energy and joie de vivre. The one thing I remember Steve saying to me that night, before driving off from the Jazzhaus in pursuit of other adventures, was “Rock and roll keeps you young.”
I would see Steve every so often in the ensuing years, and each time hanging out or jamming with him was like being around a vital life force that would rub off on you, a reminder of what life is really about. To me he has his place right up there with Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Keith Richards, Santana, and Duane Allman for the genius and raw emotion that came out of his guitar, the kind of playing that came from transmuting all that pain into something beautiful. The kind of playing that only life experience can teach.
Indeed, Steve had plenty of experience, and had a big enough heart to share it with so many people, through his playing and his mere presence. He was truly larger than life. If he didn’t change the course of my life in some way, he damn sure changed the course of my soul. I am blessed for having known him, as is everyone else who did. Steve, you did enough livin’ that you’re still living in all of us. Much love.
I met him only at his shows. He was the best guitar player I know. He had such a great appreciation of melody which I’m sure came from his personality. I also played guitar and I tried my hardest to imitate his incredible musical talent. It never worked. I’m sorry he wasn’t appreciated more.