Obituary of Henry Alton French

Mr. Henry Alton French passed away at age 93 in the Veteran’s Retirement Home in Pell City, AL. Mr. French was born and reared in Randolph County, AL. He was the youngest of 10 children. His parents were John Robert (Bob) and Martha Leola (Ola) Sikes French. He met his beloved wife of 61 years, Christine Stewart French of Brent, AL , while working on road construction. The first time he saw her, she was asleep in the front porch swing. It was love at first sight, and they were married 6 weeks later! Henry is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Christine, his siblings-Joe, Larkin, Jimmy, Floyd, Cora, Alice, Nona Mae, and Bermice, his daughter Sonya French and grandson Jason French. His survivors include sister, Lois F. Harmon Woodham of Wedowee, AL; brother-in-law, Jarman (Iris) Stewart of Okla. City, OK; sister-in-law Peggy Stewart of Brent, AL. His surviving children are: Linda French Stark of Auburn, AL; George Larry French of Bullard, TX; Alton Lynwood French (Gina) of Ashland, AL; LaJuana French Steele (Don) of Bullard, TX; Sidney Levy French (Ann) of Oxford, AL; and David Lewis French (Helen) of Huntsville, AL. His grandchildren are Talitha S. Smith (David); Martin S. Stark (Lorraine); Shanna Steele; Jenny S. Romines (Michael); George L. French (Katya); Joshua French; Derek French; Patric Wight; Danelle Vasquez (Marino). Great-grandchildren are Clayton, Olivia, & Charlotte Smith; Duncan Stark; Benjamin, Jacob & Megan Romines; Henry Steele; Jayden French; Svetlana & Alexander French; Daniel Vasquez. Mr. French was a Decorated World War ll Hero. He helped save the world as part of the first wave on Omaha Beach at D-Day. He went on to be part of the Battle of the Bulge, and entered Germany where he was badly wounded. Henry was a Sergeant in the Infantry, receiving a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He returned to France to attend the 60th anniversary of D-Day, accompanied by his friend Kerry Ganofsky from Illinois. After the war, he eventually returned to the Wedowee area, buying a farm and building a house for his young family at Ava. He also helped build the first brick church for Ava Methodist. He was an active member, serving as song leader for several years during the 1950’s. In 1957, he moved his growing family to Alexander City where he became employed by Russell Mills in the Bleachery Dept. He retired from there after 30 years. He and Christine moved to her hometown of Brent, spending time gardening, fishing, and enjoying the company of dear friends and family. After the passing of Christine, Henry came full circle to his hometown of Wedowee, where he was once again part of the life of Ava. Needing extra care, he was fortunate to become an early occupant of the Veteran’s Home in Pell City, where he was lovingly cared for by the excellent staff there. Mr. French was dearly beloved by all who knew him; his family, friends and acquaintances. He was much admired and a great hero. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Benefield Funeral Home in Wedowee, AL. Funeral services will be held at Ava United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. The casket will be open at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ava United Methodist Building Fund or flowers may also be accepted.