Carl Henderson

Obituary

February 23, 1941 – September 3, 2025

Carl went to sing bass in Heaven’s choir September 3rd…

He was born the third son, to John and Emma Henderson in Rock Springs, Wyoming. One of his memories of those early years was flying down the steep hills on the bike handle bars with his brother. The Hendersons moved to Laramie where Carl completed his 9th grade year. The next move was to Cheyenne, where Carl finished high school in 1959. He was an accomplished swimmer and was invited to participate in the Olympic Trials in California. Using that ability, he was a summer life guard and later worked nights at Safeway. Carl attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1963. He learned he could be an academic, and especially liked the logic and definites of numbers. He took an accounting position with a small firm in Casper. While helping mutual friends with their taxes, he met the “love of his life”, Vicki Pratt. Carl and Vicki married in 1964. After three years in Casper, Carl and Vicki moved with their small daughter, Lori, to San Jose, California. After two years with a national accounting firm, Carl decided that wasn’t for him. He moved his family to Denver, Colorado, where he worked as a controller for Writer Construction. Carl studied hard and passed the CPA exam. He later earned reciprocity in multiple other states. Carl also completed his military service with the Army National Guard. Carl and Vicki took a weekend drive to scenic Estes Park. He was offered a position with a small CPA firm, enthusiastically accepted, and moved to Estes Park in 1969.

In time, Carl would begin his own CPA practice. He served his many clients professionally, going the extra mile, to bring them researched, accurate, timely, and personal service for 55 years. He and his wife, Vicki raised their four children: Lori, Marcie, Josh, and Brent in Estes Park. Each of whom participated in various sports and activities, then graduated from the Estes Park School District. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in October 2024. Carl has always been the steady hand with wisdom and support for his wife, children, and all of his family. The Henderson’s great blessing and joy in later life has been their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Carl was dedicated to his Lord, devoted to his family, committed to the community, and honored his country. He would admit that work was his passion! In the early 70’s, he and Vicki sponsored a non-denominational youth group called God Squad with their friend and Pastor Rex Roth. Carl was elected to the hospital district, where he served eight years and was instrumental in establishing the Prospect Park Nursing Home. He was appointed to the Urban Renewal Board, which was after the Lawn Lake flood in 1982, and served ten years guiding the re-furbishing of downtown Estes Park. Carl used his accounting and organizational skills over the years at the First Baptist Church, known as Mountain View Bible and the Allenspark Community Church. He always loved singing bass in choirs and gospel quartets. He also guided a men’s Bible study for many years and enjoyed playing golf. The Henderson’s began the Sword and Scroll Bible Bookstore in 1975, which they owned for three years. They purchased Ponderosa Travel Park in 1977, now known as Yogi Bear-Jellystone, partnering with Floyd and Gini Denton for ten years. After selling the campground, they built and developed Henderson House Bed and Breakfast. Carl had his CPA practice there for thirty years. Carl and Vicki moved to Estes city limits in 2018. Carl continued his CPA practice through the tax season of 2024, despite worsening ill health.

Carl would say he lived a rich, full, abundant, and rewarding life. “He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, and he has kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. His family rejoices - - - He is singing again!

Carl will be missed and remembered by:

His wife, Vicki and their four children Lori and husband, Mickey Hatchell of Eaton, CO; Marcie Kiser of Windsor, CO; Joshua Henderson of Estes Park; and Brent Henderson of Idaho Falls, ID. Their grandchildren: Justin Hatchell, wife Kalli, and son Kallen of Greeley, CO; Austin Hatchell, wife Brittany, and daughter Aurora Claire of Frederick; Karissa Hatchell-Bollinger and husband Brett of Fort Benning, GA; Maya Kiser of Windsor, CO, attending Montana State University in Bozeman; Raina Kiser of Windsor, CO; Alexander Henderson of Greeley, CO, attending CSU in Fort Collins, CO; McKenna Henderson of Estes Park; and Jacob Maxwell of Loveland, CO. Sisters-in-law Gini Denton and husband Floyd of Estes Park and Jane Nelson of Eureka, CA, nieces and nephews, friends, and faithful clients. All those locals who remember seeing Carl driving around town in his original yellow, Willy’s Jeep, then his red and white vintage Bronco truck, and lastly, his bright yellow Ford Ranger Splash truck.