Henry McPhearson

William Henry McPhearson, age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Mansfield Nursing Center in Mansfield, Louisiana. “Mr. Henry” as everyone called him, was born on November 6, 1932, in Natchitoches Parish near Marthaville, Louisiana to Raliegh Clyde McPhearson and Iris Marie McPhearson. He was the oldest of a family of four boys. He graduated from Marthaville High School in 1951. Henry proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Coral Sea CVA43 during the Korean War. He was a Class A Metalsmith. After returning home from the Navy he married the love of his life, Mary Evon “Yvonne” Jacobs, they have been married for 66 years. They have two children, Ricky and Donna. He started his work career while young, summers were spent either in the wheat fields of the Mid West operating a tractor or working as a Welders Helper on pipelines with his dad. After his tour in the Navy, he worked in the oilfields of Sabine and DeSoto Parishes. He worked for Nabors Trailers in Mansfield for 19 years where he met many lifelong friends. They owned and operated J&M Grocery in Pelican for a few years. Henry along with his brothers owned and operated a Logging Business, Sawmill and a Finished Wood Products business in Pelican for a number of years. He worked on Offshore Drilling Rigs for Nordrill for 5 years as a Rig Welder, again meeting many lifelong friends. The rest of his working career was his most enjoyable, he worked as a Herdsman for San Patricio Cattle Company in Pelican, Louisiana. He was a Volunteer Firefighter for DeSoto Fire District 8 for numerous years. Henry was a true Craftsmen, he could build or repair most anything, wood, metal or dirt, he could handle it all. When he wasn’t at his regular job, he was repairing equipment for the loggers and farmers out of his small shop at home. He taught several young men how to weld. He loved spending time with his grand and great grandchildren, he would just light up when they were around. In his earlier years, he loved to hear his dogs on the trail, Blue Ticks, Beagles and Rat Terriers, he raised and trained some good ones. He was a long-time member of Wallace Baptist Church. 

Mr. Henry is preceded in death by his parents, R. C. and Iris McPhearson; mother and father-in-law, John and Bessie Jacobs; brothers, Paul Dean, Clyde, Rickey Lynn McPhearson; and sister-in-law, Lurline McPhearson. He is survived by Yvonne, his wife of 66 years; son, Ricky McPhearson and wife Martha; daughter, Donna Young and husband Joe; grandchildren, Dale McPhearson and wife Regina, Corrie Campbell and husband Mike, Jacob Blakley and Joanna, Josh Blakley and Jody Blakley; great-grandchildren, Colton, Colbie Lynn and Chloe McPhearson, Paige and Ethan Campbell, Jaxson, Jett and Ensley Mae Blakley; step-grandchildren, Heather Blackwell and husband Josh, Christopher Young and wife Ashley; step-grandchildren, Alyssa and Fisher Young, McKenzie and Jaylyn Blackwell and Logan Prather; sisters-in-law, Myrtle Nunley and Nancy McPhearson; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Wallace Baptist Church, 5605 Highway 177, Pelican, Louisiana, with Bro. Jeff Jinks conducting the service. Interment will follow at Pelican Cemetery, Pelican, Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Dale McPhearson, Jacob Blakley, Josh Blakley, Jody Blakley, Mike Campbell and great-grandson, Colton McPhearson. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Walt Salter, Buddy Love, Bruce Garlington and the Men’s Sunday School Class of Wallace Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the Staff of Mansfield Nursing Center for the exceptional care of our loved one.