Robert E. 'Bob' Henton

Oct. 6, 1926 - Nov. 5, 2007

Robert E. "Bob" Henton died Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, at his home in McCook.  He was 81 years old.

Bob was born Oct. 6, 1926, at McCook to Burr M. and Vaire (Godown) Henton. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1944. After graduation, he entered the U.S .Navy on July 16, 1944, and served during World War II.  He was honorably discharged on May 2, 1946.

He continued his education at McCook Junior College and Kearney State College.  He played basketball for the McCook Indians and Kearney Antelopes scoring 30 points per game for both teams.  He received his Masters Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo.

Bob was united in marriage to Delores M. Blake on June 22, 1947, at Danbury. To this union three children were born. They made their home in Chappell where Bob taught school and was head basketball and assistant football coach for 10 years. 

While coaching in Chappell, Bob had much success with many wins.  He played basketball for the Chappell town team.  He took the top individual award honors at the Jaycee Gold Medal Basketball Tournament in Kimball.  He was voted the outstanding player award for the third time, best offensive player, selected for the first offensive team and was the highest scoring player of the tournament.  His floor game was instrumental in leading Chappell to the championship.  His hook shots were accurate and exceedingly troublesome to rivals.  He also played AAU basketball in Denver in the season of 1951, where he was chosen All-American Gold Medal First Team.

Bob also played baseball for Chappell in the West Central Division as a pitcher.  He was also hired to pitch for Venango, Brule and Ogallala baseball teams.   

The couple returned to McCook in 1957, where Bob became coach for the McCook College Indians basketball team and assistant coach for the football team.  He led the teams in many successful championships and was nominated for Coach of the Year.  He was so proud of the fact that he could have winning seasons with just area athletes playing on his teams.  He later worked for the fund raising department of Reader's Digest for 28 years, which he enjoyed because of his continued association with students and teachers.   

He was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church and lifetime member of McCook Elk's Club and the Lebanon American Legion Post  No. 0313.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Burr and Vaire Henton; two sisters, Shirley Roach and Phyllis Lingo; and three brothers, Richard, Bill and Willis Henton.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Delores Henton of McCook; two sons, Dan Henton of Columbus, Ohio and Ken Henton and wife, Paula of Kansas City, Kan.; daughter, Carolyn and husband, Anthony Masi of Westminster, Colo.; two brothers, Garnet Henton and wife, Dorothy of McCook and Delmar Henton of Spokane, Wash.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation is today until 5 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Funeral services will be Friday, 11 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.