Joe R. Henderson

He was born September 26, 1927 to Hazel and R.P. Henderson in Port Arthur, Texas. The family moved to San Benito, Texas in 1930 and from there to Kilgore, Texas in 1933. He graduated from Kilgore High School in January 1945. He entered the U.S. Navy on March 10, 1945 and served in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged at the Naval Separation Center in Norman, Oklahoma in August of 1946.

He enrolled into the University of Oklahoma in September of the same year where he played freshman football and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He moved to Tyler, Texas in 1947 and played football for his old High School coach Floyd Flagstaff. During this period, he was majoring in Physical Education.

He moved back to O.U. in 1949 and changed his major to Petroleum Engineering. He graduated in January of 1952 with his degree. He was hired his senior year by Magnolia Petroleum Company and was sent to Midland in February of 1952. After one year he resigned and was employed by Milwhite Mudsales. He was transferred to Brownfield, Texas in early 1953.

After one year, he resigned and formed Dixie Drilling Mud. He moved back to Midland in 1960 and formed Southwestern Universal Drilling Mud. He operated as an independent for 38 years and sold the company to Newpark Resources in 1998. Since then he operated under contract to Newpark.

Joe married Pat Maples on September 11, 1966 and together they made their home in Midland. He was affectionately known as “the go to man”, “the fixer”, “super sales”, and “King of the one liners.” He didn’t suffer fools well, but if they listened, they learned and understood the oil patch better. He taught his engineers to take care of every small detail or it might come back to bite them. There was only one way to do things, the right way, which he thought was his way.

With over 60 years of experience in the oilfield, Joe taught many to be good engineers. He would awaken from a deep sleep in the middle of the night to figure out, in his head, how many sacks of a product it would take to make 10 lb mud. He walked the mud pits for 40 years, eating out of the trunk of his car- vienna sausages, spam, bologna and candy bars when he could afford it. He always said being in the drilling fluids business with its booms and busts was the perfect equalizer.

Joe appreciated those that worked hard for a living and liked to tip big those who he thought saw the value of work. They could be waiters, someone picking up cans, or working for a trash disposal, Joe wanted to reward them. He loved his family and friends, even the four legged ones, and anyone who loved dogs and football.

Joe loved sports, especially football supporting O.U., Texas Tech, Midland High and Lee High. He was a big supporter of the Old Houston Oilers with the great Earl Campbell and, of course, the Dallas Cowboys especially the years with Tony Dorsett.

As a longtime supporter of the Lee High School Football Booster Club, he was recognized for his contributions and was awarded the Rebel for Life award in 2003. He was on the Board of Directors of Western State Bank and a longtime member of the Ranchland Hills Country Club and Midland Country Club, and the Petroleum Club.

Joe supported many charitable programs over the years; MARC, Community and Senior Services and High Sky Children’s Ranch. He especially loved the Crystal Ball’s live auction and loved to bid. He also supported many animal shelters, MSPCA, Grand Companions Humane Society and was very involved with Midland Humane Coalition to find “furr”ever homes for homeless animals.

He loved all non-profits, but would be honored if, in lieu of flowers, you would help build the Wellness and Treatment Center. Please send donations to Midland Humane Coalition Capital Campaign, P.O. Box 53213, Midland Texas 79710.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Terri Henderson Balkey and husband Bill; daughter-in-law, Barbara Henderson; son- in-law, Hank Mast; daughter, Sonya Henderson Buehler; son, Vince Henderson; grandchildren, Cameron, Breann, Katie, Dakota, and Devin Balkey, Jennifer and Rob Taylor, Justin and Ashley Yarborough, Chandler and Ashleigh Buehler, and Nick Henderson and his great grandchildren, Lillian Balkey and Olivia and Emily Taylor.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Book Henderson, and father, Roy Prentice Henderson; son, Joe Henderson, Jr.; daughter, Dayna Yarborough Mast and grandchildren Jordan and Taylor Yarborough.

The Memorial Service for Joe will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16 at True Lite Christian Fellowship with a reception to follow at The Petroleum Club.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Autry Stephens, Shawn Savage, Bobby Gee, Ron Smith, Bill Butler, Mike Davis, Tony Sams, Charlie Branch, Ken Anthony, Richard Wright, Doug Thomas, Clay Bomer, Jeff Phillips, Matt McCoy, Ron Gasser, Rick Vannoy, Kevin Herrmann, Jeff Birkelbach, Gerald Huff, and Donny Davis.