Laurance David Henderson

He was born to the late Laurance ”Bud” and Bernice Henderson in South Gate, California, on April 16, 1936.

Laurie attended school in Visalia and the Los Angeles area, graduating from Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, CA, in 1954.

He attended College of the Sequoias prior to being drafted to serve in the US Army in 1957. He began his military service at Fort Ord and moved on to Fort Hood, Texas, and finally, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, for the remainder of his service.

Laurie then returned to Visalia to resume his education, completing his degree and teaching credential at Fresno State University. He married Louise Krueger in 1960 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July of 2020.

In addition to other jobs he held in his youth, he worked for Burnett’s Service Station from his early teens through college. After completing college, he taught at Oak Valley Union School in Tulare from 1964-1981. His students fondly remember his bus-driving antics, Scicon shenanigans, and Disneyland graduation trips. Most of all, they remember how much he cared for them. Upon leaving Oak Valley, he worked for Dix Machine shop, and in 1989, he began teaching automotive trade classes at Corcoran State Prison, retiring in 2000. Throughout his other careers, he also worked weekends at the Oval liquor store from 1960-2002.

Laurie was known for his caring heart. He was the first person people called for help with their cars, a household repair problem, financial advice, or just a loving ear to listen. He cared for many people, including his grandmother, mother, mother-in-law, and friends in their later years, making sure their needs were met. He coached baseball, football, softball, and basketball over three generations and was often seen in the stands cheering on Visalia teams and visiting with friends.

Laurie loved NASCAR, drag racing, and maintaining vintage cars. In the late 1950s, he traveled to the Bonneville Salt Flats to challenge land speed records. He was an avid bicyclist, participating in many century rides, and continued riding around town well into his 70s. Another title he was proud to hold was that of a “potter.” Laurie spent several years throwing pottery through Visalia Adult School; many of his creations will be treasured by family and friends for generations.

In addition to his wife Louise, Laurie is survived by daughters Kathy Thurman of Tulare, Lori (Mike) Henderson-Rinkoff of Westminster, CO; brother Alan (Darlene) Henderson of Grants Pass, OR, sister Ann (Bert) Zellmer of Carrboro, NC, stepbrother Paul Wood of Williams, OR; grandchildren Joshua Henderson, Cecili Henderson, Stevie Thurman, Tiffany (James) Gomes, Lesley Wentker, and Alicia Robinson; great-grandchildren Bodhi Penn, Pixie Penn, Brooklyn Gomes, Addisyn Wentker and Brenden Gomes.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 26 at 11:00 am at 4007 W. Myrtle Ave., Visalia, CA 93277.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.