Donald Eugene Henderson, age 91, of Buckhannon, died July 12, 2024, at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg.
He was born in Buckhannon on September 4, 1932, a son of the late Francis Flay and Edna Ruth (Barnett) Henderson. On August 21, 1952, he was united in marriage to Mary M. Campbell, who preceded him in death on August 7, 2015.
He is survived by a son, Donald Henderson, Jr. of Buckhannon, and a daughter, Deborah DeGroff and husband Rick of Montrose. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Rick DeGroff, II (Sarah) of Milton, Jon DeGroff (Candi) of Eleanor, Joe DeGroff (Amber) of Nitro, and Ashley DeGroff Gill (Jonathan) of Elkview. He was blessed to have fifteen great-grandchildren: Emily, Grace, James, Matthew, Kate, Joey, Leah, Patrick, Henry, Olivia, and Joshua DeGroff, and Thomas, Isobel, Lydia, and Jacob Gill. He is survived by one sister, Linda Rabatin and husband Leonard of Williamstown, WV, and several nieces and nephews.
Don was a graduate of BUHS class of 1950 and WVWC class of 1954. He served in the US Army, mostly in Austria and Italy. After service in the Army, he worked at the Empire Bank in Clarksburg and then at Fenton Ford and B & R Ford for several years in Buckhannon. Don and Mary started their own business, Henderson’s Mobile Homes, in the early 1960s which they operated together for 18 years. After that, Don opened & operated Henderson Supply until his retirement.
Don was a charter member of the Buckhannon Jaycees and previously served as President. He was also a charter member of the Tennerton Lions Club and was later awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Don and Mary contributed in helping to build the Chapel Hill U.M. Church where he served as a Trustee and Sunday School teacher.
Don and Mary were also instrumental in starting the Upshur County Parish House and both were active in starting the Friends of the Library. For several years, Don and Mary delivered meals for the Meals on Wheels program.
Don also served on the Upshur County Board of Education for over 20 years. He served several years on the combined V.F.W. and American Legion Honor Guard. Don was a current member of the Christian Fellowship Church. Don and Mary loved camping in their Motor Home and were members of the Triple T Campers, Good Sam Camping Club, and the Family Motor Coach. Don and Mary enjoyed collecting Akro Agate Glassware while traveling to club rallies and huge Flea Markets.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at the WV Veterans Nursing Home in Clarksburg where Don had been a resident for the past year and a half, and also the staff at the Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg where he was hospitalized.
Private services and interment will be held for the family. The Henderson family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.
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