Joel D. Henry

Joel D. Henry, 73, of Lubbock and loving husband to Linda Henry, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 14, 2024. He was born on October 8, 1950, in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio to the late Dr. John D. Henry and Genevieve Joyce (Crandall) Henry. 

He met the love of his life, Linda Ledbetter, and they were united in marriage on January 14, 1983, in Lubbock, Texas.

Joel attended and graduated high school from San Marcos Academy, where he received the Citizenship Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). He furthered his education by obtaining his Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of the State of New York, and then received his Master’s Degree from Wayland Baptist University in Lubbock. He then attended LCU obtaining his certification as an educational diagnostician and then received his Doctorate of Education from Walden University. 

He spent the majority of his life in education, working as a special education aide, educational diagnostician, served as a principal for various school systems and served as a Superintendent at Lefors, Texas. He retired in 2011 as the principal for the Amherst, Texas school district.

Joel liked to hunt, go fly fishing, and spending quality time with his family. He also served as a volunteer and paid firefighter in his younger years.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory includes his wife, Linda; two sons: Ryan Zuniga of Carlsbad, New Mexico and John Henry and wife Cassandra of Princeton, Texas; two brothers: John D. Henry and James D Henry, both of Knoxville, TN; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, W. R. (Bill) Ledbetter and Billie Ledbetter. 

There are no services planned for Mr. Henry. Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory. 

The family has requested that anyone who would like to remember Joel, please do so by donating in his memory to the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 3308 95th Street, Lubbock, TX 79423.