Kenneth Ray Henson

After living a blessed and faith filled life of service to God, his family, friends, fellowman, Country and community, Kenneth Ray Henson passed away March 7, 2014 at the age of 77. He was in his home in Weatherford, Texas. 
Kenneth left this life as he lived it with dignity and grace surrounded by the presence and love of his family and friends.  Kenneth, the son of Willam and Carrie Henson of Winnsboro, Texas was born January 14, 1937. He is preceded in death by parents, two brothers Gail and Henry and one sister, Bobbie June. 
Kenneth willingly and honorably served his Country in the United States Army as part of the 21 Gun Salute at Washington D.C.’s Arlington Cemetery.  Having always been “Proud to be an American”, serving in this role was one of his proudest moments.  Another proud moment was the completion of his Bachelor’s Degree from Baylor University. Still more proud moments came on many occasions through his service as a long time respected member of the Shriner’s Organization and Boyd Lodge #479. He was a 3rd degree Master Mason. 
On August 1, 1958, Kenneth married his best friend and the love of his life for the next 56 years, Dixie Yvonne Haun, daughter of Arlis and Johnny Ruth Pennington Haun of Rhome, Texas.  Their marriage was the beginning of his service as a loving, devoted husband to Dixie and Father to their son Danny and wife Kalynne. He was known as Poppy to grandsons Kale and Keaton and Kale’s wife Marissa which he adored. He is preceded in death by in-laws Arlis (Pot) and Johnnie Ruth (Granny) Haun. Kenneth taught the highest qualities of family values; love, devotion, and respect to name a few. His inspiration and guidance will be passed down from generation to generation.
Kenneth’s next line of service was to the people of his State with the Texas Department of Public Safety where he devoted 30 years, retiring as a Captain with many distinguished recognitions and honors in 1993. As he had always done, he served and led by example always putting others first and creating sincere and lasting friendships with his fellow officers who became brothers and extended family members that will continue for many decades.
Kenneth’s service to God was witnessed in his commitment and faithfulness to First Baptist and Grace Baptist Church’s in Weatherford.  He demonstrated great humility serving God as he witnessed his Christianity in his daily activities to his fellowman. 
After retiring, Kenneth continued to live life to its fullest while enjoying annual fishing trips with his family and DPS buddies, as well as many other friends.  He enjoyed traveling the highways and bi-ways with Dixie in their RV where they met and developed lifelong friendships with a host of fellow campers who also quickly became extended family.  He continued to nurture his DPS relationships as he and Dixie traveled many “happy trails” with the retired “DPS Road Runners” and friends and fellow travelers from Church and Square Dance Groups of “days gone by”.  In his spare time, which was little because of the abundance of blessings that filled his life, Kenneth deeply loved to spend time in his shop in Peaster, where he passed along many talents to Danny, Kale and Keaton.  He also loved going to the Farm in Winnsboro and enhancing the Henson family cemetery, also in Winnsboro, where his remains will be laid to rest. 
Kenneth’s immediate family along with a multitude of extended family and friends will miss the pleasure of Kenneth’s presence more than can be imagined nor expressed. The family of Kenneth Henson is proud to say, “We come from good stock. We thank you.  We love you, Kenneth, Dad, Poppy.”
All of the Henson Family extends great gratitude and thankfulness for the abundance of love poured out to them during the past few weeks through all the personal visits, food, flowers, phone calls, cards and prayers.  Please know your love is received and felt deeply, for indeed it is.  “May the abundance of blessings bestowed upon us, be returned to you tenfold. “  Dixie and Family

A memorial service celebrating his life will be Tuesday March 11, 2014 at 2:00pm at The First Baptist Church of Weatherford located at 306 Palo Pinto St, Weatherford, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to some of  the organizations Kenneth and Dixie have supported for many years;  St. Jude’s,  Weatherford Meals on Wheels, Wounded Warrior or Shriner Hospital.