Henry was born October 8, 1906 to Henry Frederick Fillenwarth and Mary Elizabeth Carey Fillenwarth. He was the oldest of 8 children. He grew up at 1540 English Avenue. Although his name was Henry he was called Harry or Lew by his family and friends.

He attended St Patrick's grade school & Arsenal Technical High School. He attended Purdue for a while, studying drafting and other technical subjects. During his high school years he carried papers for the Indianapolis Times and Star.

His first job with the City of Indianapolis used his drafting talents. He married Catherine Mary Dierkers on June 4, 1931 and continued to work for the city. He was also involved with Democratic politics which was a necessity at that time, if you wanted to keep your job with the city.

He was eventually accepted into Police training and was graduated in 1939. He was initially assigned to Traffic and Accident Prevention. He spent many hours studying intersections that had multiple automobile accidents, to obtain the details for corrective measures. During at least part of the time he visited schools and presented school traffic safety programs, an Officer Friendly type. Eventually he moved to the property room in the old Police Headquarters on Alabama Street, about + block south of Washington Street. There, all of the evidence and found items were stored until the found was claimed and the evidence was released. It was a locked area with keys available to a very few individuals. It was also staffed 24/7/365.

Over the years Henry provided well for his family. They were never rich by any means, but they never wanted for the necessities; a good warm house, good food, and much love. It seemed that he always had at least one, if not several extra jobs to make ends meet. In fact, he considered a long time about promotion because he could not work extra and it meant a cut in income to do that. He finally reconciled that before he retired, because he was promoted several times.

These extra jobs were both in and out of police headquarters. He filled the coke machines at Police Headquarters for some small sum per case. Over the years he worked security many other places in the evenings. These included Chet's Drive In across from Riverside Amusement Park; Crystal Palace Dance Hall at Illinois and St Clair; the Outdoor Area at Pennsylvania and Michigan, where the Capehart Federal Building now stands. The many events scheduled there included dances, boxing, and wrestling. He also worked at the Farmer's market, when it was located at East and South Streets, now the site of Lilly Child Care Center.

He cared for his wife and children, and also his parents and siblings. He did things with his family when he wasn't working. Visits with his parents and his in-laws whenever possible was one of his real pleasures.

He supported his children in school but he didn't meddle. There was no PTA for parent interactivity, but if the teacher or principal wanted him he was always there. He made an annual trip to the convent to pay all the school fees, and also enjoyed the visit with the nuns.

He was a very capable handyman around the house with plumbing, carpentry, and electrical repairs. He passed those abilities on to his children. He was never too busy to help his children with any project. During his whole adult life, it seems he spent his time doing for others. He worked many hours to provide a secure family atmosphere. He especially enjoyed helping wherever they were, Holy Cross, Nativity, St Mary of the Woods or elsewhere. He never seemed to be too busy, if he wasn't policeing, to help anyone. This included family, friends, fellow officers, and even total strangers. He provided a model that all of his children strived to live up to.