Henry Espinoza

Henry “Hank” Espinoza, 58, of Long Beach, California, formerly of Raymore, was born September 20, 1963, the son of Albert and Adela Espinoza.  He passed away Monday, January 3, 2022, at his home.

Henry was born in Peru and his family relocated to Long Beach in 1965. His favorite childhood memory was when his sister Gladys would grab peanut butter, bread, and the kids to walk to the beach for the day. He attended Jordan High School where he was known for his spot on the football team.

After graduating high school Henry attended Heating and Air Conditoning school, while having fun with his lifelong friends working at McDonalds, Round Table pizza and Big Al’s. They were always up to some shenanigans, tossing dough at each other or driving around in his Maverick. The only serious story he told was when he dropped a bunch of glass on his first day of working at ACI Glass and almost cut his hand off.

He began his career with AT&T in 1986 in operator services.  After several moves throughout Southern California Henry was transferred to Phoenix, Arizona. He was a Chief Union Steward enjoying activities on and off duty. During this time at AT&T he met Michelle (Huisman) Espinoza, they were married October 20, 1998. He became a father to Abigail Lucille, Jacob Troy, and Sarah Christine. He joked after the fact that Michelle didn’t know he wanted Troy or Sarah’s initials SC until the birth certificates arrived supporting his beloved football team USC Trojans.

Henry was a family man, who would rather stay at home and enjoy his friends and family then be out and about. Many of his trips involved visiting his parents, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. His nieces and nephews often joked by calling him “Uncle Buck” because he was always cracking jokes. He enjoyed games, coaching his kid’s soccer teams, and supporting them every step of their childhood. He was the fun parent that would allow the girls to apply makeup and jewelry to him, or wrestling with his son. He was always laughing, joking, and making silly noises wherever he was. There was never a serious moment when he was around.

He took excellent care of his mother at the end of her life, allowing her to remain in her home. The care, respect, and compassion he provided her allowed her to live the last few years of her life gracefully, peacefully, and in comfort. He often joked that he would live in her fantasies with her instead of trying to make her come to his reality.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents Albert Sr. and Adela Espinoza, and his daughter Abigail Espinoza.

He is survived by his son, Jacob Espinoza of Overland Park, Kansas, his daughter, Sarah Espinoza of Raymore and their mother, Michelle Espinoza of Raymore; one brother, Albert Espinoza, Jr. of Long Beach; two sisters, Gladys Drake of Mesa, Arizona, and Rebeca Campbell of Long Beach; ten nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.             

Funeral Service was held Friday, January 14^th, 2022, at the All Souls Mortuary in Long Beach.

Cremation has been accorded.  Graveside services and inurnment was held Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Missouri.   

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleyedenburn.com

Local Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550