Houston Henderson Jr.

Houston Henderson Jr. was born on March 2, 1936, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Houston Henderson Sr. and Laura Henderson. He was the eldest of six children and, from an early age, learned the values of resilience, unity, and perseverance guided by strong and loving parents.

At the age of twelve, Houston and his family relocated to Mansfield, Ohio where he met the love of his life, Betty Bonner. As a child, Houston was shy and reserved, but with a little encouragement from his cousin Freddy, he was able to form a friendship with Betty that later blossomed into unconditional love. He would affectionately describe their early encounters as love at first sight. He was warmly embraced by the Bonner family, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.

Houston and Betty’s relationship flourished throughout their youth, and they were married on September 20, 1956, marking the beginning of a union that would span decades. They were blessed with two sons, Houston Erwin Henderson, and Keith Anthony Henderson, both of whom brought them immense pride and joy.

Houston proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting on July 30, 1954. He began his career at Pope Air Force Base as a Parachute Rigger. Among his many accomplishments, Houston was awarded the Air Force Commendation and Meritorious Service Medals, and he was honored for his contribution as part of a team that assisted in the design of a parachute system for the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger. He served at duty stations both nationally and internationally, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant and retiring from George Air Force Base in Victorville after 21 years of honorable service.

Following military retirement, Houston pursued a civilian career, working with Regal Realty and later served as an Engineering Technician at the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, California.

Houston cherished family memories, including road trips with their Chihuahua, Rollo, and going to Disneyland, a memory he fondly recalled, often noting the ticket prices of the time $3.75 for children and $4.25 for adults.

Spending time with his grandchildren brought Houston immeasurable joy. From trips to the park and train rides to attending school activities and sporting events, every moment with them was treasured. Each grandchild held a special place in his heart, and being their grandpa was one of the greatest honors of his life.

His lifelong military service, foster lasting friendships. He especially cherished holiday traditions shared with Alton and Betty Etheridge, time spent traveling with Al and Tito Burton visits with Henry and Joanne Bradford in Florida, and a renewed, enduring bond with George Boyer of Alabama connections that remained strong despite distance.

In his spare time, Houston found peace in sewing and upholstery, two skills that reflected his patience and attention to detail. One of his favorite pastimes included napping, which was a beloved Henderson family tradition proudly passed down through generations.

Houston Henderson Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Betty Henderson; his son, Keith Henderson (Andria); daughters, Crystal Henderson and Erika Henderson; grandchildren Amber McCrady (James), Rachel Olvera (Francisco), Jeffrey Lewis Jr. (Teralyn), Isaiah Henderson (Gera), Tyreeshia Henderson-Overy (Jonathan), and Hannah Henderson; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings Shirley Crosby, Dwight Henderson (Pam), and Ricky Henderson (Tammy); his sister-in-love Debra Henderson; his brother-in-love Glenn Bonner; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Houston was proceeded in death by his parents, Houston Henderson Sr. and Laura Henderson, his son, Houston Erwin Henderson, his sister Eleanor Jones-Creighton, and his brother Dale Henderson.

Houston will be remembered for his unwavering love for family, faithful service to his country, deep and lasting friendships, and the quiet strength that defined his life.