Obituary:
Kenneth James Henderson, 87, of Longtown, Oklahoma, passed away in Tulsa while hospitalized in Ascension St. John Hospital. He was born on August 4, 1933, in the home of his grandfather, James Penman Henderson, in Plover, Pocahontas County, Iowa, to Raymond and Margaret (Beaver-Crook) Henderson. He was the third child in a family of three boys and three girls and they all grew up on a 40-acre farm just outside the town of Plover in Northern Iowa.
When Kenneth was a young man, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and diligently served the Lord the remainder of his life. He studied the Bible daily and loved to teach and share the gospel. He was a true man of God, so kind and helpful to everyone, and so very loved by those who knew him.
Kenneth graduated from Plover High School in 1952 and then attended telegrapher school in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing his schooling, he worked in Spokane, Washington, for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher. In 1953, he received "greetings" from the President of the United States, and quickly headed for the United States Air Force enlistment center. He made high scores on his testing and was immediately put in Cadet Training School as the Air Force needed pilots. During Cadet training, he permanently injured his ankle and could no longer become a pilot. He was then sent to Craig AFB near Selma, Alabama. While there, he met and married Jessie Helen Weddle from Selma on October 19, 1954. Kenneth served our country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in November 1955.
After leaving the Air Force, Kenneth and Jessie moved to Iowa and lived near Ken's parents. Their daughter and son, Margaret Denise and Kenton Ray, were both born there. Next they moved to Missouri where another son, James Lee, was born. From Missouri the family moved to Alabama to care for Jessie's mother. After her mother's passing, they lived in Mobile, and later moved to Pensacola, Florida where Ken went back to school and became a machinist. In 1971 Kenneth and his family moved back to Missouri. Ken and Jessie were married for 54 adventurous and happy years. Sadly, Jessie passed away from a lengthy illness on February 3, 2009.
Kenneth met Mary Ellen (Fallwell) McCoy in August of 2009, they were married on January 1, 2010 in Willard, Missouri. They made their home together in Longtown, Oklahoma near Lake Eufaula. Ken and Mary enjoyed almost 11 fun-filled and wonderful years together, attending Faith Community Church in Whitefield, Oklahoma, traveling around the country, exploring Lake Eufaula on their pontoon boat, fishing, gardening, and simply enjoying their golden years together. In Missouri he raised and sold produce at his own vegetable stand which he named "Sam Hill Gardens". He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed these things the remainder of his life.
Another of Kenneth's most favorite things to do was to tell children's stories and sing songs that he had learned in his own childhood, to children, especially his own grandchildren. The "Little Orley" stories were everyone's favorite. He had an amazing memory and seldom missed a word! He always had a captive audience with children and adults alike. His storytelling and singing always brought much delight and laughter. When Ken told his stories, watching the faces of the children was pure joy! He told them with such drama, even adding his own voice sound effects. Years later, occasionally a person would visit him and ask him to retell some of the stories that Kenneth told them when they were children. He was truly an amazing man!
After a tragic auto accident that took the lives of his son, Kenton, and Kenton's wife, Penny, and their daughter, Elizabeth, Kenneth began reading the 23rd Psalm for comfort. God began to show him many facets of this Psalm that really ministered to Kenneth's life. He began writing down the things that he learned from this Psalm. In 2013, his writings were published in a book entitled, "Climbing Up the Ladder of the 23rd Psalm". This book is now in the hands of many people that have been ministered to through Kenneth's inspired insight.
Life became difficult in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic. Many in the family contracted the virus, including Kenneth and his beautiful daughter, Margaret. Also, his older brother, Robert, who lived in Iowa. His precious Margaret passed away in September, his brother in October, and then the effects from the virus took the life of Kenneth in December. Now they are all together with the Lord Jesus our Savior and other loved ones forever in Heaven.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jessie; a son, Kenton Ray and his wife Penny Henderson; a daughter, Margaret Denise Owens; a brother, Robert Raymond Henderson; two sisters, Eileen Babcock and Virginia Helleseth; and a step-granddaughter, Elizabeth DeGraw.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of Longtown; a sister, Linda Branch, of Panama City, FL; a brother, Ray (Joyce) of Des Moines, IA; his son, James Lee (Rachael) Henderson of Sleeper, MO; a son-in-law, Larry Owens of Sleeper, MO; two stepdaughters Karen Mena of Vista, California and Tresha (Jerry) Wages of Whitefield, OK; three stepsons Stephen Lieber of Medellin, Colombia; Bryan McCoy of Salem, OR; and Craig (Sheri) McCoy of Weatherford, OK; seven grandchildren, Amy Owens, Brent (Lindsey) Henderson, James Owens, Jaiden Henderson, Payton Henderson, Stephanie Jones, and Colton (Santana) Emmons; and many great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
****************
Graveside services were held for Kenneth James Henderson on July 17th, 2021, with military honors given by Whiteman AFB, Missouri and the VFW Post 4107 from Lebanon, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m. at Church Grove Cemetery near Buffalo, Missouri, with his brother, Rev. Ray Henderson, officiating. His cremains were buried next to his first wife, Jessie.
Kenneth James Henderson, 87, of Longtown, Oklahoma, passed away in Tulsa while hospitalized in Ascension St. John Hospital. He was born on August 4, 1933, in the home of his grandfather, James Penman Henderson, in Plover, Pocahontas County, Iowa, to Raymond and Margaret (Beaver-Crook) Henderson. He was the third child in a family of three boys and three girls and they all grew up on a 40-acre farm just outside the town of Plover in Northern Iowa.
When Kenneth was a young man, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and diligently served the Lord the remainder of his life. He studied the Bible daily and loved to teach and share the gospel. He was a true man of God, so kind and helpful to everyone, and so very loved by those who knew him.
Kenneth graduated from Plover High School in 1952 and then attended telegrapher school in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing his schooling, he worked in Spokane, Washington, for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher. In 1953, he received "greetings" from the President of the United States, and quickly headed for the United States Air Force enlistment center. He made high scores on his testing and was immediately put in Cadet Training School as the Air Force needed pilots. During Cadet training, he permanently injured his ankle and could no longer become a pilot. He was then sent to Craig AFB near Selma, Alabama. While there, he met and married Jessie Helen Weddle from Selma on October 19, 1954. Kenneth served our country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in November 1955.
After leaving the Air Force, Kenneth and Jessie moved to Iowa and lived near Ken's parents. Their daughter and son, Margaret Denise and Kenton Ray, were both born there. Next they moved to Missouri where another son, James Lee, was born. From Missouri the family moved to Alabama to care for Jessie's mother. After her mother's passing, they lived in Mobile, and later moved to Pensacola, Florida where Ken went back to school and became a machinist. In 1971 Kenneth and his family moved back to Missouri. Ken and Jessie were married for 54 adventurous and happy years. Sadly, Jessie passed away from a lengthy illness on February 3, 2009.
Kenneth met Mary Ellen (Fallwell) McCoy in August of 2009, they were married on January 1, 2010 in Willard, Missouri. They made their home together in Longtown, Oklahoma near Lake Eufaula. Ken and Mary enjoyed almost 11 fun-filled and wonderful years together, attending Faith Community Church in Whitefield, Oklahoma, traveling around the country, exploring Lake Eufaula on their pontoon boat, fishing, gardening, and simply enjoying their golden years together. In Missouri he raised and sold produce at his own vegetable stand which he named "Sam Hill Gardens". He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed these things the remainder of his life.
Another of Kenneth's most favorite things to do was to tell children's stories and sing songs that he had learned in his own childhood, to children, especially his own grandchildren. The "Little Orley" stories were everyone's favorite. He had an amazing memory and seldom missed a word! He always had a captive audience with children and adults alike. His storytelling and singing always brought much delight and laughter. When Ken told his stories, watching the faces of the children was pure joy! He told them with such drama, even adding his own voice sound effects. Years later, occasionally a person would visit him and ask him to retell some of the stories that Kenneth told them when they were children. He was truly an amazing man!
After a tragic auto accident that took the lives of his son, Kenton, and Kenton's wife, Penny, and their daughter, Elizabeth, Kenneth began reading the 23rd Psalm for comfort. God began to show him many facets of this Psalm that really ministered to Kenneth's life. He began writing down the things that he learned from this Psalm. In 2013, his writings were published in a book entitled, "Climbing Up the Ladder of the 23rd Psalm". This book is now in the hands of many people that have been ministered to through Kenneth's inspired insight.
Life became difficult in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic. Many in the family contracted the virus, including Kenneth and his beautiful daughter, Margaret. Also, his older brother, Robert, who lived in Iowa. His precious Margaret passed away in September, his brother in October, and then the effects from the virus took the life of Kenneth in December. Now they are all together with the Lord Jesus our Savior and other loved ones forever in Heaven.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jessie; a son, Kenton Ray and his wife Penny Henderson; a daughter, Margaret Denise Owens; a brother, Robert Raymond Henderson; two sisters, Eileen Babcock and Virginia Helleseth; and a step-granddaughter, Elizabeth DeGraw.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of Longtown; a sister, Linda Branch, of Panama City, FL; a brother, Ray (Joyce) of Des Moines, IA; his son, James Lee (Rachael) Henderson of Sleeper, MO; a son-in-law, Larry Owens of Sleeper, MO; two stepdaughters Karen Mena of Vista, California and Tresha (Jerry) Wages of Whitefield, OK; three stepsons Stephen Lieber of Medellin, Colombia; Bryan McCoy of Salem, OR; and Craig (Sheri) McCoy of Weatherford, OK; seven grandchildren, Amy Owens, Brent (Lindsey) Henderson, James Owens, Jaiden Henderson, Payton Henderson, Stephanie Jones, and Colton (Santana) Emmons; and many great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
****************
Graveside services were held for Kenneth James Henderson on July 17th, 2021, with military honors given by Whiteman AFB, Missouri and the VFW Post 4107 from Lebanon, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m. at Church Grove Cemetery near Buffalo, Missouri, with his brother, Rev. Ray Henderson, officiating. His cremains were buried next to his first wife, Jessie.
Obituary:
Kenneth James Henderson, 87, of Longtown, Oklahoma, passed away in Tulsa while hospitalized in Ascension St. John Hospital. He was born on August 4, 1933, in the home of his grandfather, James Penman Henderson, in Plover, Pocahontas County, Iowa, to Raymond and Margaret (Beaver-Crook) Henderson. He was the third child in a family of three boys and three girls and they all grew up on a 40-acre farm just outside the town of Plover in Northern Iowa.
When Kenneth was a young man, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and diligently served the Lord the remainder of his life. He studied the Bible daily and loved to teach and share the gospel. He was a true man of God, so kind and helpful to everyone, and so very loved by those who knew him.
Kenneth graduated from Plover High School in 1952 and then attended telegrapher school in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing his schooling, he worked in Spokane, Washington, for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher. In 1953, he received "greetings" from the President of the United States, and quickly headed for the United States Air Force enlistment center. He made high scores on his testing and was immediately put in Cadet Training School as the Air Force needed pilots. During Cadet training, he permanently injured his ankle and could no longer become a pilot. He was then sent to Craig AFB near Selma, Alabama. While there, he met and married Jessie Helen Weddle from Selma on October 19, 1954. Kenneth served our country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in November 1955.
After leaving the Air Force, Kenneth and Jessie moved to Iowa and lived near Ken's parents. Their daughter and son, Margaret Denise and Kenton Ray, were both born there. Next they moved to Missouri where another son, James Lee, was born. From Missouri the family moved to Alabama to care for Jessie's mother. After her mother's passing, they lived in Mobile, and later moved to Pensacola, Florida where Ken went back to school and became a machinist. In 1971 Kenneth and his family moved back to Missouri. Ken and Jessie were married for 54 adventurous and happy years. Sadly, Jessie passed away from a lengthy illness on February 3, 2009.
Kenneth met Mary Ellen (Fallwell) McCoy in August of 2009, they were married on January 1, 2010 in Willard, Missouri. They made their home together in Longtown, Oklahoma near Lake Eufaula. Ken and Mary enjoyed almost 11 fun-filled and wonderful years together, attending Faith Community Church in Whitefield, Oklahoma, traveling around the country, exploring Lake Eufaula on their pontoon boat, fishing, gardening, and simply enjoying their golden years together. In Missouri he raised and sold produce at his own vegetable stand which he named "Sam Hill Gardens". He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed these things the remainder of his life.
Another of Kenneth's most favorite things to do was to tell children's stories and sing songs that he had learned in his own childhood, to children, especially his own grandchildren. The "Little Orley" stories were everyone's favorite. He had an amazing memory and seldom missed a word! He always had a captive audience with children and adults alike. His storytelling and singing always brought much delight and laughter. When Ken told his stories, watching the faces of the children was pure joy! He told them with such drama, even adding his own voice sound effects. Years later, occasionally a person would visit him and ask him to retell some of the stories that Kenneth told them when they were children. He was truly an amazing man!
After a tragic auto accident that took the lives of his son, Kenton, and Kenton's wife, Penny, and their daughter, Elizabeth, Kenneth began reading the 23rd Psalm for comfort. God began to show him many facets of this Psalm that really ministered to Kenneth's life. He began writing down the things that he learned from this Psalm. In 2013, his writings were published in a book entitled, "Climbing Up the Ladder of the 23rd Psalm". This book is now in the hands of many people that have been ministered to through Kenneth's inspired insight.
Life became difficult in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic. Many in the family contracted the virus, including Kenneth and his beautiful daughter, Margaret. Also, his older brother, Robert, who lived in Iowa. His precious Margaret passed away in September, his brother in October, and then the effects from the virus took the life of Kenneth in December. Now they are all together with the Lord Jesus our Savior and other loved ones forever in Heaven.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jessie; a son, Kenton Ray and his wife Penny Henderson; a daughter, Margaret Denise Owens; a brother, Robert Raymond Henderson; two sisters, Eileen Babcock and Virginia Helleseth; and a step-granddaughter, Elizabeth DeGraw.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of Longtown; a sister, Linda Branch, of Panama City, FL; a brother, Ray (Joyce) of Des Moines, IA; his son, James Lee (Rachael) Henderson of Sleeper, MO; a son-in-law, Larry Owens of Sleeper, MO; two stepdaughters Karen Mena of Vista, California and Tresha (Jerry) Wages of Whitefield, OK; three stepsons Stephen Lieber of Medellin, Colombia; Bryan McCoy of Salem, OR; and Craig (Sheri) McCoy of Weatherford, OK; seven grandchildren, Amy Owens, Brent (Lindsey) Henderson, James Owens, Jaiden Henderson, Payton Henderson, Stephanie Jones, and Colton (Santana) Emmons; and many great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
****************
Graveside services were held for Kenneth James Henderson on July 17th, 2021, with military honors given by Whiteman AFB, Missouri and the VFW Post 4107 from Lebanon, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m. at Church Grove Cemetery near Buffalo, Missouri, with his brother, Rev. Ray Henderson, officiating. His cremains were buried next to his first wife, Jessie.
Kenneth James Henderson, 87, of Longtown, Oklahoma, passed away in Tulsa while hospitalized in Ascension St. John Hospital. He was born on August 4, 1933, in the home of his grandfather, James Penman Henderson, in Plover, Pocahontas County, Iowa, to Raymond and Margaret (Beaver-Crook) Henderson. He was the third child in a family of three boys and three girls and they all grew up on a 40-acre farm just outside the town of Plover in Northern Iowa.
When Kenneth was a young man, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and diligently served the Lord the remainder of his life. He studied the Bible daily and loved to teach and share the gospel. He was a true man of God, so kind and helpful to everyone, and so very loved by those who knew him.
Kenneth graduated from Plover High School in 1952 and then attended telegrapher school in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing his schooling, he worked in Spokane, Washington, for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher. In 1953, he received "greetings" from the President of the United States, and quickly headed for the United States Air Force enlistment center. He made high scores on his testing and was immediately put in Cadet Training School as the Air Force needed pilots. During Cadet training, he permanently injured his ankle and could no longer become a pilot. He was then sent to Craig AFB near Selma, Alabama. While there, he met and married Jessie Helen Weddle from Selma on October 19, 1954. Kenneth served our country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in November 1955.
After leaving the Air Force, Kenneth and Jessie moved to Iowa and lived near Ken's parents. Their daughter and son, Margaret Denise and Kenton Ray, were both born there. Next they moved to Missouri where another son, James Lee, was born. From Missouri the family moved to Alabama to care for Jessie's mother. After her mother's passing, they lived in Mobile, and later moved to Pensacola, Florida where Ken went back to school and became a machinist. In 1971 Kenneth and his family moved back to Missouri. Ken and Jessie were married for 54 adventurous and happy years. Sadly, Jessie passed away from a lengthy illness on February 3, 2009.
Kenneth met Mary Ellen (Fallwell) McCoy in August of 2009, they were married on January 1, 2010 in Willard, Missouri. They made their home together in Longtown, Oklahoma near Lake Eufaula. Ken and Mary enjoyed almost 11 fun-filled and wonderful years together, attending Faith Community Church in Whitefield, Oklahoma, traveling around the country, exploring Lake Eufaula on their pontoon boat, fishing, gardening, and simply enjoying their golden years together. In Missouri he raised and sold produce at his own vegetable stand which he named "Sam Hill Gardens". He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed these things the remainder of his life.
Another of Kenneth's most favorite things to do was to tell children's stories and sing songs that he had learned in his own childhood, to children, especially his own grandchildren. The "Little Orley" stories were everyone's favorite. He had an amazing memory and seldom missed a word! He always had a captive audience with children and adults alike. His storytelling and singing always brought much delight and laughter. When Ken told his stories, watching the faces of the children was pure joy! He told them with such drama, even adding his own voice sound effects. Years later, occasionally a person would visit him and ask him to retell some of the stories that Kenneth told them when they were children. He was truly an amazing man!
After a tragic auto accident that took the lives of his son, Kenton, and Kenton's wife, Penny, and their daughter, Elizabeth, Kenneth began reading the 23rd Psalm for comfort. God began to show him many facets of this Psalm that really ministered to Kenneth's life. He began writing down the things that he learned from this Psalm. In 2013, his writings were published in a book entitled, "Climbing Up the Ladder of the 23rd Psalm". This book is now in the hands of many people that have been ministered to through Kenneth's inspired insight.
Life became difficult in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic. Many in the family contracted the virus, including Kenneth and his beautiful daughter, Margaret. Also, his older brother, Robert, who lived in Iowa. His precious Margaret passed away in September, his brother in October, and then the effects from the virus took the life of Kenneth in December. Now they are all together with the Lord Jesus our Savior and other loved ones forever in Heaven.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jessie; a son, Kenton Ray and his wife Penny Henderson; a daughter, Margaret Denise Owens; a brother, Robert Raymond Henderson; two sisters, Eileen Babcock and Virginia Helleseth; and a step-granddaughter, Elizabeth DeGraw.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of Longtown; a sister, Linda Branch, of Panama City, FL; a brother, Ray (Joyce) of Des Moines, IA; his son, James Lee (Rachael) Henderson of Sleeper, MO; a son-in-law, Larry Owens of Sleeper, MO; two stepdaughters Karen Mena of Vista, California and Tresha (Jerry) Wages of Whitefield, OK; three stepsons Stephen Lieber of Medellin, Colombia; Bryan McCoy of Salem, OR; and Craig (Sheri) McCoy of Weatherford, OK; seven grandchildren, Amy Owens, Brent (Lindsey) Henderson, James Owens, Jaiden Henderson, Payton Henderson, Stephanie Jones, and Colton (Santana) Emmons; and many great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
****************
Graveside services were held for Kenneth James Henderson on July 17th, 2021, with military honors given by Whiteman AFB, Missouri and the VFW Post 4107 from Lebanon, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m. at Church Grove Cemetery near Buffalo, Missouri, with his brother, Rev. Ray Henderson, officiating. His cremains were buried next to his first wife, Jessie.
