Henry C. Gschwend, Sr.

Henry Charles Gschwend, Sr., 80, of Jonesboro, died Monday, July 28, 2014, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. Henry most definitely lived life to the fullest. With his sweet wife Barbara at his side for 55 years, they were dedicated to their church, their God and their entire extended family. In his free time you could find Henry playing golf, attending Red Wolves games, boating around Lake Thunderbird, cheering on his grandkids or skiing in the mountains. He was famous in his family for being extremely generous and always giving to those who had less than him. Words often used to describe Henry include faithful, loyal, fun, loving, hard working, and gracious.

Born in Pocahontas, Henry moved to Jonesboro when he entered Arkansas State where he graduated in 1959 with an accounting degree. A residential real estate developer, Henry was also a U.S. Army veteran.
Henry was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Jonesboro Exchange Club, Jonesboro Country Club Men’s Golf Association and the ASU Red Wolves Club. Henry was past chairman of the Arkansas State Board of Higher Education where he served a ten-year term, serving under both Gov. Dale Bumpers and Gov. Bill Clinton. Henry was also past chairman of the Jonesboro Homebuilders Association.
One of thirteen children, Henry was preceded in death by his parents: Matthias (Mott) and Martha Steimel Gschwend, as well as by seven sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Haynes Gschwend; 1 daughter and son-in-law, Carla and Steve Carson of Jonesboro; 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Henry Charles, Jr. "Chuck" and Lindy Gschwend of Jonesboro and Craig and Carol Gschwend of Little Rock; Brothers: James, Raymond and Tom Gschwend; Sisters: Frances Thorson and Freda Pope; and 8 grandchildren: Blaine Carson, Abigail Gschwend, Elizabeth Gschwend, Erin Carson, Henry Charles "Charlie" Gschwend III, Caroline Gschwend, Billy Gschwend and Kate Gschwend.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Jack Vu officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery with military honors.
Pallbearers include Jeff Puryear, Bobby Puryear, Frank Digaetano, Tom Schmidt, Don Throesch, and Jim Murray.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel. A Rosary Service will begin at 7:00 p.m.
For lasting memorials, please consider St. Vincent DePaul Society, PO Box 1735, Jonesboro, AR 72403 or Arkansas State Red Wolves Foundation, P.O. Box 2219, State University, AR 72467