Jack William Henderson

He was one of 6 children born in Portland to William M. Henderson and Mabel Hays Henderson on May 3 1927. Jack was an outstanding athlete especially in football. He was a graduate from then, Sabin High School finishing his education at Eastern Oregon. Jack entered the Army Air Force in 1945 to 1946.

He then went to work for Portland Terminal Railroad Company where he started as a Red Cap Porter. Later earning and becoming the first African American Switch-man as well as the first African American Engineer for the Railroad.

Jack was a devoted loving husband, father and friend. He married Elise B. Blye in 1957, she proceeds him in death, as does one son. He leaves to morn. Philip Henderson of Portland; Yvonne Henderson Rains(Dr. Anthony Rains) of Washington State; LaVonne Henderson also of Washington State; Holly (Billy) Childs of California; companion Susie Patterson of Portland; dearest friends Dr. Walter Reynolds, Dianne Jones; Kim (Jeff) Kaer and a host of other family and friends. He will greatly be missed.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday March 23rd -12 noon at Caldwell's Hennessy, Goetsch and McGee @ 20 N.E. 14th and Sandy. Jack will be buried in a private family service at Willamette National Cemetery.