Obituary

HENRY COLDIRON
March 27, 1928 September 9, 2012

Henry was born and raised in Coldiron Valley, Kentucky, with 2 brothers, Jim and Ed, and 3 sisters, Georgia, Tee, and Bee. In 1945, at 17, he enlisted in the Navy for World War II. He was trained to be a radioman and was stationed in Newfoundland.

After the war, in 1948, Henry attended the University of Chicago studying writing. He became involved with Youth for Christ. His group took part in converting a barn for a meeting place for a young preacher, a visiting professor at Wheaton College, who was Billy Graham.

In 1951 Henry was called from inactive reserves for the Korean War as a radioman aboard a tanker. He traveled from Korea to Italy and everywhere in between.

Henry married Patty Hollenbaugh, the girl next door, in 1953. They were blessed with 4 boys, Mark, Dana, Kevin and Chris.

Henry worked as a home builder, in manufacturing management and as a technical writer. He started in Ohio and ended his working career in Tustin, CA. All through these years he worked tirelessly for his churches, building them physically and spiritually.

Six years after Patty’s death, Henry and Phyllis Bell were married in 1991 in Irvine. Henry’s family was increased by Phyllis’ children, Kathy, Dick, and Judy and their families. There are now 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons in the combined family.

Henry’s interests included history, current events, health and nutrition, tennis and writing. He wrote 6 books which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. It brought special joy to him to welcome new residents of our Palmia community or new visitors to our church.

A celebration of Henry’s life will be held at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, Oso and Marguerite, on Saturday, September 22, at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to:
Youth for Christ/USA, P.O. Box 4478, Englewood, CO 80155