Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has died

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The City of Fort Wayne announced Thursday night that Mayor Tom Henry has passed away after his battle with cancer. 

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share that Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry passed away peacefully this evening, Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family," the city wrote in a social media post. 

Mayor Henry was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday for a medical emergency relating to his cancer. 

"For anyone involved in statewide public service, Mayor Tom Henry was synonymous with Fort Wayne," Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb wrote. "The love and support the city long showered upon him was surpassed only by his unwavering affection for it. No matter where you were from, Mayor Tom was the kind of positive leader who made you feel like moving there because of the long list of new things going on and he was smiling about it. I’ll treasure our conversations, sharing a stage, and his inspirational dignified demeanor. He was a mayor’s mayor, but also a Governor’s Mayor. You could call him for anything, for advice or about a loved one, and I did. Janet and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his community of friends, coworkers, and most importantly his blessed legendary family during such a difficult time. It’s been said, that for those who walk with the Lord, goodbyes are never forever. It’s my hope and prayer, that now that he has been reunited with his bride, Cindy, his soul can rest knowing his work here is done, and we shall all meet again for a laugh or two."

Below is a statement from Mayor Henry's family.

"Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry passed away peacefully Thursday, March 28, 2024, after experiencing a medical emergency related to his cancer. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 27, Mayor Henry was privately transported to a local hospital at which time he and his family consulted at length with medical professionals including his oncologist.

After careful consideration of the risks associated with surgical intervention, Mayor Henry opted for comfort measures. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Mayor Henry was a man of the highest character – a true servant leader who devoted his entire adult life to the betterment of Fort Wayne and its residents. He was also the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. We, his family, mourn the loss of Tom with the rest of our community, but we also take great comfort in knowing that he is once again with his beautiful Cindy who passed away from cancer just two months ago.
We thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers, but also ask for privacy as we grieve Tom’s passing and celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy."