ROBERT EDWARD HENLEY

BRISTOL — Robert Edward Henley, 78, passed away Dec. 19, 2024, at his home, where he stepped into the presence of Jesus Christ and heard the words he’d longed to hear his whole life.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” — Matthew, 25:23.

Born on the eastern shore on July 22, 1946, to Robert and Marion Henley, he was the only son of two children. He spent summers in high school and through junior college working with his sister Nancy’s husband, Bobby Fooks, who was a contractor at the time. This gave him key training in woodworking, and in his early years as a teacher, he pursued a dream of opening his own business selling grandfather clocks and cabinet making.

In 1968 while in junior college, he joined the navy, enlisting as a Seabee during the Vietnam War. After being discharged, he married Linda Joyce Henley of Philadelphia, Pa., and then attended seminary. They had four children and were married for 52 years.

In 1980, Robert was called to pastor Grace Baptist Church in Middlebury, Vt., for 44 years, where he lived and taught at Middlebury Union High School as the beloved woodshop teacher. After retiring from teaching, he dedicated a large portion of his life to serving the Middlebury and Bristol communities.

Using his expert craftsmanship, he built his home of 36 years and his boat, which brought his family joy as they traveled Lake Champlain, the Hudson River, and a few jaunts into the Ocean and Inland Waterways. Sailing was a huge passion in his life, along with audiobooks and going on the family’s annual vacation to Ocean City, N.J.

Robert leaves behind his wife, Linda Henley; his five children, Tammie Chenoweth, Jennifer Burrows, Robert Henley, James Henley, and Lisa LaRose; along with six grandkids; his sister, Nancy Humphreys; his niece, Sharon Fooks; and his two beloved dogs, Ollie and Ginger.

He is predeceased by parents, Robert and Marion Henley, and his nephew, Robert Henley.

A celebration of life will be held at Valley Bible Church, 322 East Main St., Middlebury, Vt., 05753 at 2 p.m., Dec. 28, 2024.

His legacy of sermons can be listened to at www.gracebaptistmiddlebury.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Baptist Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, Middlebury. Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. ◊