DEAN ‘HINDU’ HENDERSON

Graveside services will be held at Brown/McGhee Cemetery at 810 S. First Street in Coolidge, on May 23, at 11 a.m.; viewing starts at 10 a.m. Service and arrangements entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home of Mexia.

Dean (Hindu) and twin sister Jean were born on Jan. 29, 1953, to Herman and Lillie J. Henderson in Coolidge. Jean preceded him in death on March 9, 1953. Dean was active in the church and accepted Christ at an early age. He graduated from Coolidge High School in 1971. Shortly after graduating from high school, he met the love of his life, Hester, in Ft. Worth. They were married on Aug. 18, 1972, and had their first son, Steven Deshon, in September 1972. Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1973 and served as a cook. They had their first daughter, LaJean Evone, in September of 1973. While serving in the U.S. Army, he was given the nickname “Hindu” and it stuck forever.

After serving in the military, Hindu and Hester had two more children, Luther Hindu (March 1977) and Shuvon (November 1978). Hindu worked in multiple industries and immediately put his cooking skills obtained in the military into action. He worked as one of the top cooks at several restaurants which included a past and present favorite in Mexia, The Cajun and The Drillin’ Rig. Hindu also obtained a Class A CDL certification from the American Truck Driving School in Waco and became a professional truck driver. He drove for Frito Lay, BFI Sanitation and several other companies.

Hindu had a job-related injury in the early 90’s that left him partially disabled and limited his working capabilities. Hindu continued to do limited work until losing his sight in 2012. However, it did not slow him down. He continued to be active in his children and grandchildren lives, attending events, turning out the dance floors and making everyone around him laugh. He had a personality like no other and if you ever met him you never forgot him. He often referred to himself as an AAN. He was definitely an All Around person who was the jack of all trades.

On May 13, 2020, Hindu suddenly passed after having another great day with family and friends.

Hindu was one of 19 children and was preceded in death by his mother (2018), father (1973) and four siblings. He is survived by his wife of 47 and a half years, Hester Pearl Henderson, and four children, Steven Deshon Henderson (Chantel), LaJean Henderson Carr (Bruce), Luther Henderson (Christy) and Shuvon Henderson; 14 siblings, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson.