RICHARD HENNING, RENOWNED CANTON ATTORNEY & FORMER STARK COUNTY ASS'T. PROSECUTOR, DIED June 14, 2006: Attorney Richard L. Henning, who was known among the Ohio legal community as a zealous prosecutor, and a defender of, seemingly, hopeless cases—which he made look easy and more often than not won—passed away Monday, June 12 at 12:18 a.m. at The Cleveland Clinic. He was 56 and a resident of Canton. "I am a sucker for the underdog," Henning was fond of saying. He was well respected by both judges and colleagues, who said, "He had a brilliant mind." Mr. Henning was born on November 2, 1949 in Canton, Ohio and was a graduate of Brilliant High School; Ohio State University (Bachelors of Science with honors); and the University of Akron Law School. He enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1972, later transferring to the Air Force Reserve, from which he was honorably discharged in 1978. He was married, since college, to attorney Sally Henning, a specialist in litigation prevention and employment law, who was senior corporate counsel for Michelin North America, Inc., before joining her husband in practice in 1993. Richard Henning's death came after a battle with brain cancer. Upon graduating from law school in 1976 near the top of his class, Richard Henning practiced law with a number of attorneys, including Pat Menicos, a lifelong friend, and Allan Carter. He began his trial career at the Tuscarawas County Public Defender's Office. Henning was the legal advisor to the city of Waynesburg, Ohio from 1978 to 1979. He was appointed Assistant Prosecutor for Stark County under Jim Unger in 1978. In that position, Henning solidly established himself in the Ohio legal community by achieving convictions in significant felony cases, most notably the Donald Sumser double murder trial, as well as prosecuting the killer of Detective Guy Mack, then Canton's highest ranking African American police officer. Mr. Henning left formal public service in 1985 and started his own law firm, Henning and Yost. During his years in private practice, he mused that he was threatened as often by police when he was defending clients, as he was threatened by criminals, whom he was prosecuting. Nonetheless, in the last dozen-plus years as a defense attorney in Stark County, he never lost a jury trial. Typical of his passionate pursuit of justice, most recently, he represented police chief Mark Machen. In the words of his wife, Sally Henning, "He was known as an effective litigator. He could memorize a week's worth of testimony and recite it back verbatim. This made his closing arguments very compelling." She noted, during Richard's last hearing, this past autumn in Cleveland Federal Court, "It was a very complicated criminal defense. When we left the courtroom for a break, we were surprised to see a large number of observers. They identified themselves as law clerks, and told us they were invited by the judge to see a great attorney in action, and that she had never seen a motion to suppress argued so professionally." Henning was famous for cases where the prosecutor stated, "We have a confession." His classic reply was: "No, they don't have a confession; they merely have a statement." He also tried many civil cases. A true advocate, Henning had a flare for dramatic case exhibits to drive his arguments home. In the last five years, he took on more and more pro bono cases, focusing on those he felt were innocent and needed his assistance. These cases ranged from child advocacy to helping the elderly. His community service and educational activities included: Adjunct Faculty Member, Walsh University and University of Akron; Member, Children's Services Board; Coach, Children's Basketball and Baseball at the JCC; Co-Founder and Tribune officer of Phi Delta Theta. He tutored teens to help them pass the proficiency test enabling them to graduate from high school; and helped many special-needs students. He tutored many aspiring lawyers to pass the bar exam. He had many awards and honors, but was most proud to be a father and husband. He was a member of Temple Israel, the Ohio Union Board; and a life-member of the NAACP, and numerous other affiliations. Despite an unsuccessful bid for Prosecutor in1984, Henning remained active in politics. He was team captain for President Bush's election visits to Canton. Henning was proud that his friends included individuals from all political persuasions, religions, and races. A dedicated family man, Richard loved The Ohio State Buckeyes; going to movies; traveling; golfing and having fun with his sons; playing cards with his brothers and nephews; and attending other family gatherings. Richard Henning is survived by his wife Sally, and children (in name and spirit): Jim, Renee, Adam and Darilynn; father Fred, as well as siblings: David (wife Wilma), Sandy (husband Gary) Vargo, Fred Jr. (wife Rita), Robert (wife Debbie), Susan (husband Thomas) Hensley, Janet (husband Robert) Tschudy, and more than 30 beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a great-great niece. Funeral services will be held Thursday 11:00 AM at Temple Israel, Canton, with Rabbi John Spitzer officiating. Final resting place of cremated remains is North Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Israel 333-25th St., NW, Canton, OH 44709, American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.