Henry John Leissing

Henry John Leissing of Hendersonville passed into Heaven on February 28, 2022, at the age of 80. Henry was born to Henry and Viola Leissing in St. Louis, Missouri, and was one of seven children. Henry lived a remarkable life and had a bottomless well of wisdom and stories to share. Spiritually and intellectually, Henry made an impact everywhere he went. Throughout his lifetime, he served his community in countless ways: as a former Catholic priest, city mayor, Biblical scholar, author, community organizer, historian, church elder, nonprofit director, and student of constitutional law.

Despite his many accomplishments, Henry was truly humble and treated everyone he met as a new friend. His gentle manner, easy laughter, and true kindness made him someone you just wanted to be around. In 2002, he met his match in his beloved Doris, and together they enjoyed many adventure-filled years before she passed in 2020. Henry was tireless in loving and serving others, always finding new avenues to teach and encourage, especially his church family at Upward Christian Fellowship. Words are inadequate to describe his extraordinary faith, life, and spirit, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to call him a friend.

Henry is survived by his sister, Evelyn Childress; stepchildren, Heather Bates, Christopher Bates, and Rebecca Smith; grandchildren, Dylan Barton, Gabriel Bishop, Annabelle Bishop, Anneliza Bates, Thomas Bates, Caleb Bates, Andrew Bates, and Katharine Bates. Henry’s memory will also be cherished by his extended family and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. A graveside service will follow the funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.