Thomas Joseph Henke,

Age 77, of Fort Loramie – Swanders Road in Minster, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025.  He was born March 25, 1948, in Piqua, Ohio, to the late Chris & Ruth “Esther” (Setsor) Henke.  On August 3, 1968, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fort Loramie, Tom married Carol (Schafer) Henke who survives.  Also surviving are two children, Joseph & Jenni (Smith) Henke of Fort Loramie and Jennifer Henke & fiancé Rick Eilerman of Fort Loramie; one granddaughter, Jasi & Dawson Pence of St. Marys and a great-grandson, Lincoln Pence; one step brother, Larry Monroe of Las Vegas, NV, along with a two nieces, Annette and June Monroe, both of Las Vegas, NV.  He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Kenneth Lee Schafer and a nephew, Bryan Monroe.

Mr. Henke was a 1966 graduate of Fort Loramie High School and a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War.  He had been an aircraft crewman and served as the Aviation Maintenance Instructor on the CH-47 helicopter for hundreds of soldiers in training.  In 2015, Tom retired from Wayne Trail in Fort Loramie where he was primarily the quality control manager as well as an inspector.  He had also been a free-lance auto mechanic and worked for Meyer’s Garage in Newport, many years ago.  Tom was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, a 50-year member of the Fort Loramie American and a charter member of the Newport Sportsman’s Club.  He was a past member of the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad, Kiwanis, and the Fort Loramie Youth organization.  Tom was an antique car and truck enthusiast.  He enjoyed collecting and restoring vintage vehicles.  He also participated in numerous car shows over the years and had been frequently asked to serve as an event judge.  Additionally, Tom also collected vintage gas station memorabilia; some of which he donated to the Carrilon Historical Park in Dayton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Mark Bredestege and Deacon Paul Timmerman presiding.  Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.  Family and friends may call Sunday, 3:00 to 6:00 PM and Monday, 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.  Memorials may be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad or charities of choice.  Private condolences may be expressed at the gehretfuneralhome.com website.