Lucky Roger McHenry passed away at his home in Redding, CA with his wife Juanita (Milla) McHenry of 34 years by his side Sunday, Aug. 1st, 2010, of a lengthy illness. He was born Dec. 8, 1945, to Charles and Ethel Lavada in Sacramento, CA where he grew up and attended schools until the 11th grade; then joined the Navy during the Vietnam War; he received his GED while doing his tour of duty on “The Tall Lady” USS Columbus CG12.
After leaving the service he joined the California Highway Patrol in Sacramento, served 1 year in Los Angeles, transferred to Gilroy and worked the Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan area then to the southbound inspection facility. After 31 years with the CHP he retired Oct. 2000 and retired with his to Redding 3 ½ years ago where he enjoyed the peace of the countryside.
While a highway patrolman he attended Gavilan College under the GI bill and received his AA degree in Administrative Justice and also got his real estate license. Lucky enjoyed hunting and fishing, taking one month (Oct.) a year to enjoy the sport until his illness. He was a member of the Gilroy Elks Lodge and loved the Wednesday night card games. He always looked forward to the Giants and 49er games. He was also very proud of being an American, he loved the American flag and what it stood for and was honored to have served for his country. His favorite singers are Elvis Presley (Memories) and Lee Greenwood (God Bless the USA).
Lucky enjoyed working side by side with his wife on their homes and rental properties. He had two close friends who kept in touch with him – Brian Bates and Tom Keeler. He had a close relationship and loved his mother-in-law, (the late Esperanza Milla – who called him her pal), also his sister-in-law Joyce (Kern) Milla who always gave him strength and hope; he was close to his son-in-law Joseph Dyer who would do anything for his father-in-law; and long-time friend, James Applewhite of Morgan Hill, who was always there when he needed him and made him laugh.
Beside his wife, Lucky is survived by his daughter, Lisa Marie Dyer (Joe) of Idaho, Diana Lynn Tupper (Steve) of Gilroy and Donica Michelle McHenry; grandchildren Michael, Haley, Kellen, Lucky, Emily and Amy; brothers Jim McHenry and Charles McHenry of Sacramento and Albert McHenry of Oklahoma; nieces Alyce Maciel of Madera, Heather Carranza of Gilroy, Alfonso Milla of Marina, Vincent Cobos of Gridley. Great-uncle to Alexis, Ciera, John, Bryanna, Christopher and Clayton. He was preceded in death by his mother Ethel Lavada Ball of Carmichael, CA and father Charles Madison McHenry of Mississippi.
Private Services were held at Habing Family Funeral Home and he was laid to rest at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park on August 7, 2010.
Condolences and information at habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
