James Kenneth Henson

Ken was born in Warren, Arkansas, on February 7, 1938, to the late Thelma Davis Henson and Frederick Bryant Henson of National City, California. Most of his childhood was spent in southern California where he developed a love for the ocean. He loved to fish and scuba dive along the Pacific coast and would recount wonderful stories of his adventures. He completed high school in Atlanta, Texas, and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from February 1955 - December 1958, as an aircraft mechanic. He married his first bride, Gloria Dawn Roach, in 1957, and they shared 49 years together until she passed away in 2006. Ken worked many years in the automotive mechanic industry with his final years of employment as the General Manager of the Houston Post’s automotive fleet.

Ken met his current bride, Veronica Garcia, during his pastime of antique restoration and merchandising. They fell in love and married on February 14, 2015. Veronica was a beacon of hope for Ken after thinking he was going to spend his senior years alone. They enjoyed traveling to Galveston or Louisiana for quick getaways, eating at their favorite restaurant, El Ranchero, and spending time with family and friends. Ken was known to many as “Dad” or “Grandpa” because he always made those around him feel like family. Over the years Ken helped many neighbors, friends and family members with anything they needed. If something was broke, he could fix it. He also enjoyed teaching others how to fix things by guiding them and instilling knowledge and confidence. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather and friend with a heart as big as Texas. His unwavering faith and devotion to helping others will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Veronica Henson; and children, James Henson, Jr. (spouse: Peggy), Debra Ojeda (Spouse: John), David Henson, and Heather Walker (spouse: Kevin). He was blessed to have his stepchildren, Katie Rodriguez (spouse: Cody Kempenski), Leroy Rodriguez, Jr. (s.o. Crystal Martinez), and Clarissa Tercero (spouse: Jerson) in his life as well. He had many grandchildren, Michelle, Ryan, Jessica, Billy, Christine, Shannon, Justin, Chris, Kenneth, Alexandria, Courtney, Joshua, Steven, Amanda, Rebecca, Nathaniel, Zachary, Andrew, Regal, Jerson Jr (BJ), Aiden, Jase, Analeeah, Daniel, and Violet as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Freddie Henson, James “Jim” Henson and Barbara Sullivan.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the American Heritage Funeral Home on July 8, 2025, with a public visitation at 10:45 AM, service at 11:45 AM and committal service at the Houston National Cemetery at 1:15 PM. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to any Veteran’s organization of your choice is appreciated.