Donald Henderson, Sr.

Donald Patrick Henderson, Sr. (Hillbilly), of Kalamazoo, MI passed away and went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 83 on Friday, March 10, 2017. Don resided in Kalamazoo, MI, formerly from Battle Creek, MI. He was born 14 November 1933 in Saint Louis, MO, son of the late Charles Virgil and Loraine Bertha (Politte) Henderson. His loving wife, Shirley Henderson of 48 years, preceded Don in death, as well as three brothers: Charles Henderson Jr. of Saint Louis, MO, Charles H. Henderson of Farmington, MO and James L. Henderson of Flat River, MO. Don served in the Air Force from 13 Dec 1951 to 6 Dec 1955. He then went to work for the Grand Trunk Railroad, Battle Creek, MI then on to the New York Air Brake, Galesburg, MI. In 1966, he went to work at Fisher Body, Comstock, MI as a forklift driver until he retired in 1998 after 32 years of employment. Surviving Don is his loving fiance, Sharon Rench of Kalamazoo, MI of 13 loving years. Four children: Donald P. Henderson Jr. (Kelly Franklin) of Lexington, NC, John (Barb) Henderson of Battle Creek, MI, Lova (Mike) McKenzie of Bellevue, MI and Millie Henderson of Battle Creek, MI. Seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Rich) Mackey, Donald P. Henderson III, Stephanie Henderson, Nicholas Henderson, Dane McKenzie, Kelsey Jones and Raymond Mulgrew. One great grandchild: Jacob Warren. Four sisters: Joyce (Lawrence) Smith of DeSota, MO, Judy (Lindell/Ronnie) Parmeley of Cedar Hills, MO, Alice (John) Bader of Farmington, MO and Bonnie (Rick) Cowley of Barton, CA. Two sister-in-laws: Dorothy (James) Henderson and JoAnn (Homer) Henderson. Two special grandsons: Scott and Michael Horton. One special daughter: Mel (Ronnie) Beimers, as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed his life. If he could be anywhere during a warm day, you would find him outside. AFTERGLOW - I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways. Of happy times and laughing times and bright sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun. Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. In accordance to his wishes, there will be no services.