Deyon “Don” Coleman Henthorne was born on September 1st, 1934, in St. George WV and passed on January 26th, 2025 peacefully in his sleep after prolonged illness, in his home in Ripley. Don is preceded in death by his parents Walter Lee Henthorne and Margaret Lipsomb Henthorne of St. George WV as well as his 5 siblings Lonzo Henthorne, Iona Helmick, Leah Speir, Rodney Henthorne, and Dennis Henthorne.
He attended Parsons High School where he was a member of the graduating class of 1952. Shortly after high school he moved to Loraine Ohio where he worked in the US Steel plant. Two years later, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division where he completed dozens of successful jumps. He was part of the 82nd Airborne Division’s rifle team, earning expert marksman status. After serving in the United States Army, he moved to Ripley in 1958 to work at Kaiser Aluminum. He later became an electrician and worked at Kaiser until his retirement in 1997. Don worked for 39 years and was an active member of the United Steelworkers Union Local 5668. After retirement he served on the Ripley City Council for 8 years as well as serving on the Ripley Main Street Beautification Committee.
Don Married Joan Black Henthorne on December 31st, 1960 and they had two children Donell Henthorne Haynes and David Wesley Henthrone. He became a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in 1961 and was an active member serving on the property committee and helping with the Centershot Archery Program.
Throughout Don’s life he was an avid outdoorsman. He was credited with the first registered Archery kill in Jackson County in 1961. He loved hunting, fishing, supporting Ripley High School Athletics, West Virginia University Athletics, as well as watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. In final years of life, he loved painting, drawing, and designing walking sticks he would give to friends and family.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan Black Henthorne; his children Donell Henthrone Haynes of Ripley and David Wesley Henthorne of Ripley; and his grandchildren Davis, William, and Sia Haynes of Ripley.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 1st at Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Epworth United Methodist Church. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com