Charles Edson Henry

Charles E Henry, of Sublimity, died August 22, 2026, in Sublimity. He was 97.

Charles (Chuck) lived in the Stayton/Sublimity area from 1966 to his death. He was active in the local community, including the Stayton United Methodist Church, Stayton Rotary Club, the Oregon Horticulture Society, VFW, and many others. He received the Stayton First Citizen award and served as mayor of Sublimity.

Charles was born to Alta and Harold (Jim) Henry in Colfax, Washington. He lived in Spokane, WA, and Woodburn before graduating from Canby Highschool in 1947. From there he attended OSU (then OSC) for a BS in Agricultural Economics. Charles was drafted in the Korean War in 1950, eventually earning the rank of first lieutenant through OCS while commanding the 189th artillery unit until the end of the Korean War. He returned to Oregon, completed his master’s degree in horticulture, married Melva Elizabeth Freligh, and soon settled in Medford, OR, where he owned and managed pear orchards. He joined the Oregon National Guard and served as commander of the Medford unit for several years.

He moved his family to Queener Ridge Farm south of Stayton in 1966, planting peach and apple orchards, and raising his family. His wife, Melva, died in 1982. He soon remarried, sold the farm in 1989, and moved to Sublimity, OR. Upon retiring in 1986, he cofounded Agricultural Safety Consultants, which focused on helping agricultural businesses and farmers teach tractor safety training and more. He eventually found himself on the Sublimity City Council and after three years of service, was elected mayor for two terms beginning in 1995.

Charles is survived by his four children: Preston Henry (McMinnville), Heidi Henry (Corvallis), Lucinda Carroll (Butteville), and Randy Henry (Silverton). He had seven grandchildren: Jessica, Tristan, Amelia, Jeff, Kayla, Cole, and Alanna, and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his three wives, Melva, Bernice Dayton, and Erma Hough.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stayton United Methodist Church, 1450 Fern Ridge Rd SE, Stayton, OR 97383, on Saturday, October 3, time to be determined.

Charles believed strongly in access to higher education and helped fund his children and grandchildren’s education. He encouraged his children and others to serve their communities. He was an avid hunter and angler who shared his interests generously. He loved cooking for family get-togethers, visiting his grandchildren, and sharing his decades of wisdom. He was an avid Beaver fan as well. He remained positive to the end of his life, expressing his love for his family and community to the very end.

The family thanks Marian Estates and Vista River Hospice for their excellent end-of-life care. Charles donated regularly to numerous organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Oregon Public Broadcasting, National Geographic Society, the United Methodist Church, Oregon State University, American Cancer Society, and others. Please consider donating to the charity of your choice.