Henry T. Haven

Mr. Henry T. Haven of Forrest City, Arkansas passed away on Monday, July 30, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Forrest City, Arkansas on August 23, 1919 to Louis F Haven and Thelma Fogg Haven, who preceded him in Heaven. He was a longtime resident and graduated from Forrest City High School. After Graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas but his academics were cut short by WW II. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and initially served in the artillery corps and later transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as an aircrew Radioman and Waist Gunner on B-17's Flying over Germany until the end of WW II. He married Ruth Aycock Haven, 1921-2001, in July 1941. They had two sons and one daughter. His career spanned six and a half decades. He joined the family business of Imperial Theaters in Forrest City and the surrounding towns when he left the military in 1945. He started a snack vending business, Imperial Vending, in 1959 and owned and operated it until 1990. He also started R & H Office Coffee Service which eventually grew to over 650 coffee locations. He built two offices and kitchens, one in Forrest City and the other in Jonesboro. His sons joined him in his business in the 70s. For retirement, he went to work part time as the County Emergency Services Officer, helping with hazardous spills, and the Veteran's Service Officer (VSO) helping veterans with their benefits. He retired from the Emergency Service Officer in the mid-2000s. He kept the VSO position until about 2013. One of his most gratifying accomplishments was helping Veterans traverse the complexities of the VA system. He was an avid Razorback football fan and a regular attendee of the games. For years, his weekends were spent with Ruth, family and friends on his houseboat on Greers Ferry lake. He and Ruth were world travelers, visiting Europe and South America with friends. After Ruth's passing, he enjoyed cruises with Rosemary and Kirk. He always loved a good party. He was a true gentleman, and much loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his sister, Rosemary Haven Kirkpatrick and her husband Otto Kirkpatrick, his daughter Virginia Ann Haven Morledge and husband Dr. George B. Morledge III, sons, Henry T. Haven Jr. and John L. Haven, and his seven grandchildren H. Tarver Haven III, Emmalie Haven Shuck, Dr. Melissa Morledge Edwards and husband Dr. Andrew Edwards, George B. Morledge IV (Birc) and wife Amy Patterson Morledge, William H. Haven, Scott M. Haven, C. Cameron Haven Sulte, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Forrest City, and an active member of Rotary, the VFW and the American Legion, and a Master Mason and a Shriner. A family only military interment will be held at the Forrest Park Cemetery in Forrest City. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11 a.m. Following the service, there will a visitation and luncheon with the family at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the First United Methodist Church, 620 East Broadway, Forrest City, Ark. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net.