Henry Louis LaBayen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and “Panky” was born on July 1, 1935, and passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2026. Born in Bacolod, Philippines, he was raised alongside his siblings by their parents, Annette and Vincente. One of seven children, Henry grew up in a loving home that, like many, faced its share of hardships. In the mid-1940s, during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, Henry endured and witnessed experiences that few could imagine. Those events would profoundly shape the course of his life.
At the age of 20, Henry bravely journeyed to America as a stowaway aboard a U.S. naval ship. After several weeks at sea, he arrived in the United States but was sent to Canada, where he was briefly detained. Not long after his release, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force in June 1956. Henry served as a transportation specialist for 10 years. Shortly after this time, he became the loving father of Janette, Ronnie, and Lynn, whom he cherished deeply.
In 1974, on a blind date in Chicago, Henry met the love of his life, Lora. They married, and he embraced his role as a devoted stepfather to her children, Tracy and Troy. Henry was unwavering in his commitment to family, attending every sporting event, church activity, and school function with pride and joy.
In time, Henry became affectionately known as “Panky” to his grandchildren Ashley, Sarah, and Katie. He was a wonderful grandfather who created lasting memories through park outings, planting flowers, always remembering to feed the birds, dancing in the living room, teaching the girls how to play mahjong, cross-country trips, and sharing a life rooted in faith. He and Lora were also blessed to care for all four of their great-grandchildren daily shortly after each of them were born until they started Kindergarten—William Henry (9), Amelia (8), Violette (6), and Drew (6). They shared a special bond with Panky and loved him dearly.
Henry was known for his warm smile, welcoming hugs, and kind spirit. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in his home and garden, always keeping things in their proper place—even if that meant stacking them high in the garage.
His life was marked by service, devotion, and loyalty. From his years in the U.S. Air Force, to serving as a church deacon for the RLDS church, to retiring after 30 years as a driver for KC Metro, Henry gave wholeheartedly in all he did. He was a role model to many and found joy in every aspect of his life.
Henry is survived by wife Lora LaBayen, children Tracy Weber (Peter Shriver), Troy and Suzanne Elliott, Lynn Shattuck, Janette LaBayen, grandchildren Ashley (Noah Ballard), Sarah Adams, Katie Golden (Alex Sommerkamp), Mindy Shattuck, Joey Shattuck, Vince LaBayen, Jaxon LaBayen, great grandchildren William Ballard, Amelia Adams, Violette Adams, Drew Ballard, brothers Vince LaBayen, Frank LaBayen, nephew Dennis LaBayen, and many more loving family members around the world.
Funeral services will be held on April 17, 2026, with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. Henry will be laid to rest in the columbarium wall in Higginsville, where he will join fellow servicemen who preceded him. His final tribute will include a traditional twenty-one-gun salute, just as he wished.
Submitted by Family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441