History & Staff

Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services, to the amenities we to offer. We are a close knit community dedicated to providing respectful, dignified service, creative personalization, staff assistance, and after death care in a caring environment.

Why Us?

In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and connection.

McHenry Funeral Home has been providing funeral services to area residents for more than 60 years. This tradition of service to enhance the well being of families in our community began in 1945, then, known as Keeney Funeral Home, which operated in an old converted house on the corner of 5th and Jackson Streets in downtown Corvallis. In 1959, the existing building was constructed. Through several additions, the current facility is nearly 6,000 square feet dedicated to providing the highest-quality funeral services to our community.

Our Founder

Joe B. McHenry was born in Corvallis on August 17, 1924 to Fred and Georgia Blevens McHenry. Joe attended Roosevelt Elementary and Corvallis Junior High School before graduating from Corvallis High in 1942. After graduation, Joe entered the U. S. Army Air Corps and flew in B-24s in the Fifteenth Air Force out of Italy. When he returned to Corvallis at the end of the war, he went to work at Keeney Funeral Home, which began the McHenry family's long tradition of providing funeral service to mid-valley residents.

Joe and partner Frank Warner opted to buy the business, a decision that sent Joe to the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in March of 1946. He completed his certification in December, having been a co-owner of the new Warner McHenry Funeral Home while in school. Joe became the sole owner of the business in 1953, and soon renamed the establishment McHenry Funeral Home.

McHenry Funeral Home continued operation under Joe's leadership until 1986, when he retired and his son, Jay M. McHenry purchased the firm. Jay carried on the family tradition for more than 25 years before retiring in turn in 2012.