William Matthew Henney, Sr

William Matthew Henney Sr, 100, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 4:43 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home.

Born on January 30, 1926, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was the son of the late Clair and Bessie (Lawrence) Henney. Growing up in Jefferson Township, he graduated from Jefferson Center High School in 1944. For the past several years, Whitley County Old Settlers recognized Matthew as both the oldest resident in Whitley County, as well as the longest continuous resident.

On October 16, 1949, he married Ellen Jeannette Jagger, beginning their journey together of over 72 years and raising five children. They have always made their home in Whitley County.

Matthew began his work career farming for Lauer Family Farms, while also working at Farmers Elevator. He bought their current farm in Thorncreek Township in 1956. In 1959, he began working at Dana Corp. in Fort Wayne while also farming full time. He retired from Dana after 30 years, and continued farming until 2022.

Matthew was known for his hard work and perseverance. When time permitted, he enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, tractor pulling, and occasional traveling. He also enjoyed attending his treasured grandchildren’s activities, frequently traveling all over the states to do so.

Matthew was a longtime member of the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church. He was also a member of the Indiana Tractor Pulling Association, NEO, and Farm Bureau.

Surviving are his children, Bill Henney of Columbia City, Tom (Julie) Henney of Columbia City, Nancy (Kent) Lefever of Angola, Sally (Randy) Hinen of Columbia City, Bev Schrader of Columbia City; grandchildren, Tyler Henney, Shanna (Josh) English, Craig (Janna) Henney, Lindsay (Daniel) Malicki, Conner (Kelsey) Lefever, Reece (Mariah) Lefever, Riley (Maddy) Lefever, Ashley Hinen, Cole (Olivia) Hinen, Kayla (Denny) Brown and Brandt Schrader; 17 great grandchildren; sister Wanda Bair; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife; sisters Betty Hicks, Norma Zartman and Alice Eason; and brother Lawrence Dean Henney.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday (Aug 28th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Saturday (Aug 29th) at the Blue River Covenant Brethren Church, 3040 E. 700 North, Columbia City, with visitation one hour prior. Burial at the Blue River Cemetery.

Preferred memorials in Matthew’s honor are to Blue River Covenant Brethren Church Mission Fund or Whitley County 4-H.