Paul Ray Henley was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 20, 1939 and passed away at age 86 on March 31, 2026 at his home in South St. Louis county.

Paul graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1958 and went on to attend University of Missouri in Columbia (Mizzou) where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Paul graduated with honors as Phi Beta Kappa and was named one of the top 12 chemical engineering students in the nation by Chemical Engineering News.

While at Mizzou he played football (#68) during his years on the team from 1959-1962, even serving as team captain. Paul played in four bowl games including the Orange Bowl between Mizzou and Navy in January 1961, attended by then President Elect John F. Kennedy.

Paul enjoyed a distinguished career as a chemical engineer first working for Monsanto Company followed by Ethyl Corporation where he served as Vice President of Petroleum Additives.

Paul was beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He met his first wife, Judith Henley (nee Kopp) while attending high school. Together they raised their two children, Paul Robert Henley and Martha Tate (Joseph Tate). He was also the proud grandfather of Joshua Aquino and Matthew Tate.

Later in life, Paul was deeply involved in his beloved church, First Unity Church of St. Louis. He served as a Prayer Chaplain and Board President. It was there that he met and married his wife, Hope Dodson.

Paul was beloved by so many, from life-long friends to new acquaintances. He was known for his warmth, big personality and generous spirit.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 30, 2026 at First Unity Church of St. Louis, 4753 Butler Hill Road, St. Louis, MO 63128. Visitation will be at 10:00am followed by a service at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to First Unity Church of St. Louis.