JERALD HENDERSON

Jerald Dee Henderson, 79, went to be with the Lord on March 22, 2022. He was born Nov. 30, 1942, in Rogers, Ark., to Ines and Sterling Dee Henderson.

Henderson is survived by his wife, Melinda; daughter, Debbie Barthol and husband Steve along with sons Tyler and Alex; daughter, Deana Glenn and husband Kirk along with daughters Taylor and Brooke and sons Bryan and Jeffrey; brother, Danny Henderson and his children Tim Henderson and Kelli Henderson Kilgore; sister-in-law, Sandra Savage and husband Dennis and children Alan and Stan. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Sara (Fife) Elmore and brother-in-law Billy Fife, survived by niece Jill Fife and nephews Andy Fife and Jim Fife.

Jerald was raised in Decatur on a family farm, the son of a military Purple Heart recipient and a strong loving mother that epitomized the phrase “domestic engineer.” After accepting the Lord at age 16, Jerald attended Oklahoma State University where he earned a tech degree in drafting and design engineering. During his college years, he lived with his Uncle Lee and Aunt Thelma Burgess. They loved and cared for him like a son.

Jerald was introduced to his loving bride-to-be Melinda Mansell by mutual friends and wed on July 6, 1963. He was blessed with his first daughter Debbie while a draftsman for Sandia Corporation in New Mexico. Later he became a body shop manager in Del City, Okla., when he was blessed with a second daughter Deana who arrived while working to send his wife to college and support her in finishing her nursing degrees. He later became the service and body shop manager for Bob Moore Cadillac in Edmond, Okla.

Jerald was a huge fan of all things automotive – NASCAR, drag racing and car shows. A man known for being meticulous, Jerald had a professional car restoration service for several years specializing in 1950ss and 1960s year model makes. And always true to GM, Jerald was a proud owner of several Chevrolet vehicles including the Corvette, Chevelle, Silverado, Impala, Monte Carlo, Suburban, Z28, IROC-Z and Corvair.

After he retired, Jerald enjoyed traveling the country with his devoted wife Melinda to national parks and U.S. landmarks, eventually landing in The Village in Conway, Ark. He and Melinda were inseparable and married for almost 59 loving years, sharing their love for the Lord, always putting Jesus Christ first.

In addition to spending enjoyable time with his grandchildren, family and friends, Jerald attended his local church and gave back to his community by volunteering time for Operation Christmas Child, donating coffee services for Fellowship Bible Church in NWA, and supporting Thanksgiving meal handouts for the Arkansas Dream Center at New Life Church.

Throughout his life, Jerald was a giving man who exhibited grace, strength and selflessness. He had a strong work ethic and led by example, influencing all those he knew – leaving each person or situation better than he found it. He will be missed greatly by all; however, there is no greater peace than knowing he is with the Lord.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerald’s name to Lewy Body Dementia Association, Salvation Army, your local church or New Life Church.

A celebration of Jerald’s life will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at New Life Church Chapel on 633 S. Country Club Road, Conway, Ark. Dress code preference would be jeans (Jerald’s favorites were 501 Levis).