Frederick Edward (III) Henry
OBITUARY
Frederick Edward Henry III of Chicago, passed away on November 27, 2025 at the age of 78, following complications from whooping cough.
Fred married Vallie Henry née Jones, his wife of over fifty years, in 1969. They met at Duke University, where Fred earned his undergraduate degree, also in 1969. He then graduated from Duke Law School in 1972. His time in North Carolina instilled a lifelong passion for Duke basketball.
Fred built a distinguished legal career spanning several decades with Baker & McKenzie’s Chicago office. He served as Managing Partner of the Chicago Office and Chair of the Chicago Tax Practice Group.
His position at Baker & McKenzie allowed Fred to travel the world. He had solo business trips to China and Puerto Rico, vacations with Vallie to Southeast Asia and Northern Italy, and extended family vacations in Spain and the UK.
Fred was also committed to his community. He served as President of the Old Town Triangle Association and as an Elder of Fourth Presbyterian Church.
Born in 1947 in Missouri, Fred was a proud St. Louis Cardinals fan. His baseball allegiance shifted after moving to Chicago, where he became an enthusiastic White Sox supporter—a change he attributed to his inability to root for the Cubs after being a Cardinals fan.
Fred was an avid gamer, from some of the earliest PC adventure games to the Civilization games of world conquest. He and Vallie maintained a monthly bridge night with friends for many years, and their bridge-playing continued well into retirement.
Fred is survived by his wife, Vallie Henry of Chicago; his brother, Barry Henry of Cathedral City, California; his son, Charles Frederick Henry (Natalia Blandon) of Las Vegas, Nevada; his daughter, Christine Henry Andresen (Carsten) of Austin, Texas; and his grandchildren, Truman, Sabine, and Ulysses Andresen.
A memorial service will be held at Fourth Presbyterian Church at a time to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations to Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago or the American Civil Liberties Union are appreciated. But the best way to honor Fred’s memory is to stay current on vaccinations.