James Henderson's Obituary
James Robert “Jim” Henderson, son of Archie Dollar and Ida Viola Laney Henderson, was born May 30, 1921, in Vernon, Texas. He departed this life Wednesday, January 14, 2009, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, seven months, and fourteen days. On October 26, 1944, he was united in marriage to Pearl Marie Heusohn, and to this union two daughters were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pearl, on December 27, 2000; a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Lee and William Ray Sizemore; four brothers, Pierce, Vaudra, Chester, and J.C. “Pete” Henderson; and four sisters, Linnie Lee Henderson, Audra Tolley, Zonelle Lawler, and Waynee Fox. Jim is survived by a daughter, Terri Lynn Cromer, and her husband, David, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandchildren, Danelle Richards, and her husband, Don, and Chad Cromer, and his wife, Chasity, all of Lebanon, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Madie, Noah, and Ryann Richards; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He was born and raised in Vernon, Texas and graduated from the Shamrock High School in the Class of 1939. He attended the University of Austin, Texas until 1942, when he enlisted in the military. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army from March 4, 1942 until January 23, 1946, during World War II. He was stationed in the Rhineland and in the Central European Theater, and then attended Shrivenham University, on the outskirts of London, while waiting for his discharge. Jim returned to the University of Texas and graduated with a B.A. in 1949. The family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he was employed by a major equipment manufacturer selling heating and cooling equipment in Southwest Missouri. During this time, Jim met C. Jack Creager, owner of General Gas Company, who encouraged Jim to open his own business in Lebanon. In November of 1958, Jim, Pearl and the girls arrived in Lebanon where they opened Henderson Heating and Cooling Company. The family made their home on Kuhn Avenue in 1961, and the girls received their education in the Lebanon Schools. Jim and Pearl were a devoted couple and loved each other deeply. For years it was unusual to see one of them without the other. Jim was a longtime active member of First Congregational Church of Lebanon. He belonged to the Lebanon Optimist Club, enjoyed playing golf, and liked traveling. Jim was involved in many civic organizations and functions, and served as treasurer of the Bi-Centennial Committee for the City of Lebanon. He also enjoyed walking every day, playing games, particularly Spinner, reading, writing letters sharing the family history, and watching his favorite team, the Texas Longhorns. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will remember him as a devoted family man, a dedicated businessman, a proud United States veteran, and a good friend. Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday January 17, 2009 at the First Congregation Church in Lebanon. Burial will be at Mt. Rose Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the First Congregational Church. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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