ROCHESTER — Clarence W. Henderson, 90, died peacefully at home Jan. 30, 2011, surrounded by his family.
He was born April 30, 1920, in Racine, to Jerry and Claire Henderson. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1939. In 1940 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in WWII and served five years, mostly in Puerto Rico. He then worked at Twin City Ford, Rochester Yellow Cab, and farmed before becoming a Union Carpenter, eventually creating "Clarence Henderson Builder." In 1947 he married Mary Burton.
They have four children, Peggy McCarty and Linda (Phil) Overton of Rochester, Al (Mary) Henderson of Lake City, and Wesley (Neelam) Henderson of Waterford, Va. Clarence has seven grandchildren, Angie, Nicole, Lisa, Brandon, Benjamin, Nisha and Christopher; and 10 great-grandchildren, Allie, Mike, Peter, Anna, Sophia, Sebastian, Cooper, Gabrielle, Kaiani and Selah. His parents; two brothers, Gerald and Robert; and one grandson, Brian, preceded him in death.
Clarence was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Elks Lodge, Byron Snow Bears, FMCA and the Pioneer chapter of FMCA, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary where he served as Commander several years, and Community Presbyterian Church.
He participated in the "Study on Aging" at the Mayo Clinic; therefore, his body has been donated to the Clinic for research.
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He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, vacationing in the motorhome, and trips to visit the family. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
A brief memorial service will be held at Community Presbyterian Church (3705 55th St. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901) on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at 6 p.m. The family will be available one hour prior to the service.
The family requests donations to Seasons Hospice of Rochester in lieu of flowers.
An interment ceremony is being planned for Spring 2011.
Mahn Family Funeral Home-Rochester Chapel is handling the arrangements. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com .
