Frank Aaron Henry Sr.
November 28, 1961- September 29, 2023

Frank Aaron Henry Sr.—- a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, son, and great friend. Frank passed away unexpectedly on September 29, 2023 at his home in Eureka. 

Frank  was born November 28, 1961 in Eureka to Kathleen and Elliott Henry.  Frank was considered a little brother to Joyce Moser, Elliott ‘Sonny’ Henry, and Tanya Norris and a big brother to Madeline Henry, Vicky Henry, and Valerie Ryles. Frank was a proud father to Bud Henry, Frank Henry Jr., Lena Henry, Kayla Henry, and Kayce Salas; a proud father-in-law to William Salas, Greg Campbell, and Louisa-Weezie Jones; a proud grandfather to SyLenna, Dauwin, and Kenek Poe, Gabe and Ava Salas, Brandon and Lousia Henry, Isaiah Hersey-Henry, Kaydence McCullough, Sammy and Jesus Jones; and proud great-grandfather to Andrew Henry.

Frank was a proud Yurok man who cared deeply for his family. Frank Henry worked in mills most of his life until he got injured in 2018. After this he decided to go back to school, after a lot of encouragement, to obtain the career that he had always dreamed of being a substance use counselor. He then started at College of the Redwoods addiction studies program in 2019 where he graduated in 2021. He then started interning at Crossroad NCSAC. Frank was so proud of himself when he was offered a full-time job when his internship was finished. He loved his job at Crossroads for the four years that he was there. He loved the people he met there and cherished the friendships he made with staff and residents. Frank found a passion for helping others on their journey to recovery that he found 10 years ago.

Frank enjoyed getting together with his children and grandchildren to celebrate birthdays, achievements, watching his grandchildren play sports, family trips, watching steelers play and WWE, and fights. Frank loved to show up to football games to watch his granddaughter SyLenna cheer an hour early. Frank loved when his son Bud Henry would spend hours watching the fights together. Frank loved to spend time with his daughter Lena Henry watching crime shows and to be a part of her children’s achievements. Frank loved spending time with Kayce Salas going fishing. Frank Loved to go Hunting and playing sticks with his grandsons Kenek Poe and Dauwin Poe. Frank loved his time talking about Legos with his grandson Gabe Salas.  Frank was proud to watch his grandson Brandon Henry become such a great man, father, and husband. Frank loved to watch all his grandchildren grow into the amazing young women and men that they are today and cherished the memories that he had with all five of his children and 11 of his grandchildren. 

Frank Aaron Henry Sr. is survived by his mother, Kathleen Henry; his mother-in-law of 34 years, Maria Avelar; his five sisters: Joyce, Tanya, Madeline, Vicky, and Valerie; the numerous nephews and nieces he has; his wife of 34 years, Manuela Avelar, whom he loved dearly; his four children, whom he loved with all his heart: Bud Henry, Lena Henry, Kayla Henry, and Kayce Salas; his son-in-law, Billy Salas, and Greg Campbell; his daughter-in-law, Louisa-Weezie Jones; and his 11 grandchildren, whom he loved watching grow into the amazing young people they are today: SyLenna, Dauwin, and Kenek Poe; Gabe and Ava Salas; Brandon and Louisa Henry; Isaiah Hersey-Henry; Kaydence McCullough; Sammy and Jesus Jones; and his great-grandson, Andrew Henry.

Frank is preceded in death by his amazing son, Frank Aaron Henry Jr.; his grandmother, Lucy Henry; his grandparents, Frank and Zelma Green; his father-in-law, Carlos Avelar; his beloved father, Elliot Henry; his two brothers, Elliott ‘Sonny’ Henry and Eldred Norris; his nephew, To-Tehl Elliott Henry Surber; and one of his best friends, Ben Casey.

Services and viewing for Frank Henry Sr. will be at Paul’s Chapel on Saturday October 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. Potluck style reception following at 2 p.m. Arcata Veterans Memorial Building (1425 J St. Arcata.) please feel free to bring a dish to share if you would like.

###