Joseph Harvey Henninger, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 25, at the age of 74. He was born in Akron, OH on May 7, 1951, to the late Genevieve Opal (Sheets) Henninger and Lee Thomas Henninger, Sr.  He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Paula Mae Preston.

Papa Joe, as he was affectionately known by his family, was a strong and kind soul with a heart as big as the sky. He lived his life with quiet strength, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His love was deep, unwavering, and generous — when Papa Joe loved, he loved big. Whether through a warm smile, a thoughtful gesture, or a steady presence, he made everyone around him feel seen, supported, and truly loved.

Joe was as patriotic as they come, proudly serving his country in the Vietnam War. From 1971 to 1973, he served as a Sergeant in the United States Army, working as a field artillery rocket crewman. During his service, Joe was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and earned the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge with the M16.

Not only did Joe love serving his country, but he also loved serving Jesus. He was deeply devoted to his church family and served faithfully on the board of Victory Chapel. Joe rarely missed a service—only doing so when circumstances were truly beyond his control. He was also very active in the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), proudly serving as Senior Vice Commander of Chapter 35 in Akron, Ohio. Joe took great pride in his involvement with the DAV and played an instrumental role in the founding of Alpha 11. 

He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and THE Ohio State Buckeyes. During ball season you could always count on Joe rooting on his home teams from his living room chair.. O-H..I-O…

Joe is survived by his loving wife of seven years, Betty Rose Henninger. They were looking forward to celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary on Veterans Day, November 11. He is also survived by his daughters, Theresa (Steve) Dickey of Fort Mill, SC, and Trisha Burris of Columbia, SC; stepdaughter, Tammy Preston (Curt Anderson) of Lower Salem, OH; and stepsons, Rusty (Melanie) Preston of Stafford, OH, Jimmy (Cyd) Newman of Akron, OH, and Calvin (Chelsea) Newman of Canton, OH.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren: grandsons Bryan and Nathan Dickey, Darian and Jaden Leftwich, Eric and Guiler Preston, Johnathan and Carsyn Newman; granddaughters Chasity and Abby Preston and Ryleigh Newman; as well as two cherished great-granddaughters.

He is also survived by his siblings: Frank (Michelle) Simmons, Lee Henninger Jr., Sylvia Mack, and his uncle, Roy Henninger, along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home, 222 Norton Avenue, Barberton, Ohio, immediately followed by the funeral service. Burial will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Ohio.