Rick Allen Henson

Rick Allen Henson of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in Frisco, TX. He was 71. Rick was born in Peoria, IL on July 24, 1951 and was preceded in death by his parents Ronald Henson and Lois Caldwell as well as his stepparents and stepbrother.

Early Life

As the son of a retired Navy veteran and a Homemaker, Rick grew up in Peoria, IL in the 1950’s and 1960’s surrounded by love and laughter. He was the older sibling to his sister Linda, several years his junior. He enjoyed playing and watching sports and even played football during his freshman year. But it was his love for music that really changed his life. Rick joined “The Clan” with his high school buddy Dan Fogelberg as their keyboardist. He was especially proud to have played in a band with Gary Richrath of “REO Speedwagon” fame. By the time he graduated from Woodruff High School in 1969, he was already well known around town as a talented musician, playing with different cover bands and traveling all over the Midwest.

Family Life and Career

One of the bands Rick played for in the 1960’s had a lead singer named Audrey Parks. They fell in love, and they married in 1970, just 3 years after interracial laws were deemed unconstitutional. He was stepfather to 3 year old Craig Parks and went on to have two daughters: Michelle Robinson, born in December 1970 and Lisa Henson, born in June 1973. Days before the birth of his eldest daughter, Rick was in a bad car accident that left him in traction with a steel rod in his left leg. After months of intense therapy, he regained his ability to walk and function as normal.

After divorcing in 1976, Rick continued to live in Peoria where he started a career in the restaurant business, working for such companies as Lum’s, Denny’s, Burger King and Star Buffet. He quickly worked his way up to manager and later became General Manager, opening restaurants all over the country.

In the early 1980’s, Rick moved to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to his mother and for a change of scenery. He often spoke of how much he felt at peace in Arizona, despite the brutal 110 + degree temperatures. He said “All I have to do is look at the Superstition mountains and I know I’m home”. He briefly moved back to Peoria from 1988-1997, but eventually moved back to Arizona and would continue to work in the restaurant business until his retirement in 2009.

Later Life and Death

After retiring from the restaurant business in 2009 stating “This is a young man’s business”, he went to work for the retail giant Wal-Mart as a cashier. He was often asked by store management to sit in on meetings to give his input on various topics related to operations. He was often praised for his work ethic and the ability to get along with everyone. The employees fondly called him “Coach”. In 2018, Rick’s youngest daughter Lisa encouraged him to get his legs checked out of concern. Standing on his feet for 12 hours a day had clearly taken a toll on his back and legs. This began what would become a 5 year journey of extensive tests, surgeries and recovery that warranted a move from Arizona to Texas in April 2020 during the height of Covid. Shortly after relocating to Texas, Rick lost his mother the following month and was diagnosed with a blood Cancer. He eventually moved in with his daughter Lisa and Son-in-law-to-be Greg Johnson until January 2021. His motto was “Never Say Die Baby!” as he fought and survived not only Cancer but Cardiac Arrest in September 2020 and a host of other ailments. Just like the Phoenix rising, he rose from the ashes every single time until one night in March when the Lord called him home.

Sports Aficiando

Rick had a genuine love for sports. He was an NFL fanatic with his favorite team being the Chicago Bears followed by the Arizona Cardinals. He attended the 1996 Superbowl festivities in Tempe, AZ when the Cowboys beat the Steelers. He also attended the 2008 Superbowl festivities in Glendale, AZ when the Giants beat the Patriots. Rick also enjoyed watching the annual run on the horses at the Kentucky Derby and even followed college basketball during the Sweet 16 and Final 4. But above all of that was his obsession for NASCAR. Rick was first introduced to racing in the mid 1990s when he saw a race in Peoria, IL. A young driver by the name of Todd Bennett took Rick under his wing and around the pit crew to explain how things work. It wasn’t just “A bunch of cars going fast” but a lot of skill and strategy. Rick attended several races at the Phoenix International Roadway and was a huge fan of Kevin Harvick. He faithfully watched all the race series, including the Daytona 500. Rick was especially happy when daughter Lisa was able to ride in a professional car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2017 and went to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC in 2012.

Rick was known for his sense of humor and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Maurice Robinson) Henson-Robinson and her children;

his daughter Lisa (her fiancé Greg Johnson) Henson, all from Texas; his sister Linda (Ed)

Jatkowski of Peoria, IL and his extended family including one stepson, one stepbrother, three

stepsisters and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his grandchildren Cayden Henson and Serenity Robinson.

Cremation rites were accorded. A private Memorial Service for friends and family will be held on April 29, 2023 at 11:00am at One Community Church in Prosper, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the Henson family.