Charles L. Henderson
Charles "Ron" Henderson, 70, of Valparaiso, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso.
Ron was born in Greensberg, on March 19, 1946, to the late Clifford and Elizabeth (Avery) Henderson. He graduated from Waldron High School in 1965. Ron joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam War.
On June 17, 1967, at Beale Air Force Base, California, he married Rayanna Clouser. She survives.
Ron and Rayanna lived in Winamac for many years before moving to Valparaiso in 1986. He was a member of Pulaski County REACT.
Ron had worked for Ford as a master mechanic and also held certification with the ASA. Since his retirement, he had enjoyed chauffeuring his grandchildren back and forth to school and their sporting activities. He could often be seen in the front row watching and cheering them on. He often got in trouble from his children for spoiling the kids with treats. Papaw always had a soft touch for his grandkids.
In his younger years, he was an avid fisherman on the Tippecanoe with his children and mother-in-law. He loved hunting, boating, camping and traveling. He enjoyed race cars as a fan and driver.
Survivors include his beloved wife Rayanna Clouser Henderson; son Jeffrey [Viola] Henderson of Winamac; daughters: Jennifer [Jeremy] Pape of Valparaiso, and Josie [Scott] McLaughlin of Chesterton; grandchildren: Jeffrey [Micah] Henderson of Ft. Hood, Texas, Mara Henderson of Royal Center, Ethan and Emma Pape of Valparaiso, and Eric and Patrick McLaughlin of Chesterton; brother Ronald Henderson of Shelbyville; brother-in-law Donald [Nancy] Clouser; sister-in-law Elizabeth Clouser [Stan] Machaj; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Elizabeth (Avery) Henderson; and brother Donald Henderson.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac and one hour prior to services at the church Friday. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, First United Methodist Church in Winamac. Pastor Dave Marty officiated. Burial took place in Winamac Cemetery, Winamac. The American Legion and VFW conducted military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be given to Wildlife Conservation and Education Endowment of Pulaski County. Its purpose is to promote and support wildlife conservation and habitat management, conservation education, and education in outdoor recreation with primary focus on hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting sports activities at the Winamac and Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Areas. Checks may be made out to the Community Foundation of Pulaski County with Wildlife Conservation & Education Fund in the memo line.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — April 13, 2016)