Robert L. Henbest

Age 86, formerly of Roricks Glen Parkway Elmira, NY, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Son of the late, Edmund J. and Helen M. (Yost) Henbest was born August 25, 1923. Bob is survived by his sons, William (Cynthia) Henbest and Theodore (Suzanne) Henbest; daughters, Judith (James) Bayer and Jacqueline Henbest all of Elmira, NY; grandchildren, Danielle, Sarah and Will Henbest; Heather, Teddy and Megan Henbest; Christopher and Matthew Bayer. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Grace Rowley; grandson, Jeremy Bayer; brothers, Harold, Edmund, Leonard and Fred; sister, Emily Watts. Bob retired in 1988 after 47 years as President/Treasurer of Henbest & Morissey, Inc. He also retired from the Board of Directors of Elmira Savings Bank in 1988. Bob was a graduate of Elmira Free Academy with business honors. He attended Lycoming College and Wharton Business School. Bob served in WW II as a lead bombardier in the Army Air Corps flying missions out of Italy in Southern Europe. He received many awards including two Presidential citations, the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals and four Battle Stars in the European/Mediterranean Theatre. Bob also served as Commander of the 9313th VART Squadron and as Deputy Adjutant of the 9062nd VART Reserve Group. After the war Bob was sent to Chatham Field Savannah, GA, where he served as Bombardier Instructor on B-29's, Deputy Base Adjutant and Officer Club Manager. Bob retired from the Air Force as Major after serving 22 years both Active and Reserve Time. Bob joined his father in the Insurance business beginning Henbest & Son. After his father's death two years later, Bob became president of the company and throughout the years acquired 23 competing insurance businesses. Bob loved volunteering at the Office for the Aging, Arnot Ogden Medical Center, R.S.V.P., Red Cross Blood Drives, The National Warplane Museum and the National Soaring Museum. Bob also enjoyed being involved with The Collings Foundation. He was a member of the Elmira Heights American Legion, Retired Officers Association and past Trustee of the North Presbyterian Church. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 11:00 to 12:00 (noon) A Memorial Service honoring Bob's life will follow the visitation at noon. The Reverend Gary Chorpenning will celebrate the services for his friend. Interment will follow in the National Overlook section in the Woodlawn Cemetery where the Chemung County Honors Squad will accord Major Henbest military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Bob's name may be directed to the Wings of Eagles Museum or the Chemung County SPCA. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for his family in obituaries atwww.olthof.comTHANK YOUThe Henbest family wishes to express their sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the third floor staff of Founders Pavilion in Corning for their wonderful care given to Bob.