Lakewood Funeral Chapel
98 North Dixie Drive
Lake Jackson, TX  77566
Saturday, November 19, 2016
4:00pm-6:00pm
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Funeral Service
St. Michael's Catholic Chruch
100 Oak Dr S.
Lake Jackson, TX  77566
Monday, November 21, 2016
9:30am
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Graveside
Waco Memorial Park
6623 I-35
Robinson, TX  76706
Monday, November 21, 2016
3:30pm
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Thomas Stalworth Henderson

of Lake Jackson, TX

November 1, 1919 - November 17, 2016


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
Thomas S. Henderson, Jr. was born November 1, 1919 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Thomas S. and Kathryn Moran Henderson. A member of the Greatest Generation, he grew up during the Great Depression, served his country during World War II and returned home to raise a family. Tom was an inadvertent, but enthusiastic Texas Aggie. When this Jersey boy was offered a chance to attend Texas A&M, he joined the Corps of Cadets, not knowing what awaited this Yankee from New Jersey. He must have endured the teasing with grace because he was designated the "Best-Drilled Sophomore" and went on to become a member of the Ross Volunteers. The Aggie War Hymn was forever the anthem of his household. He graduated in 1941 with a commission in the U.S. Army. After the war he married Helen G. Izon in 1946 and they started their family in San Angelo, Texas. He relocated to Waco, Texas where he was a sales manager for Royal Doulton China his entire working life. He and Helen had four children and sent them all through college. His giving nature extended to their friends, and they always knew the Henderson house was a place for a quick meal or a longer stay when they were at loose ends. He encouraged, employed and mentored many who still call him friend. After retirement he took his work ethic and gregarious nature to Waco's Providence Hospital, where he worked as a Providence Auxiliary volunteer and served as its president. He was recognized at the age of 85 for having given over 20,000 volunteer hours working in their emergency room. After Helen's death he married LaVelle Martin Henderson, a longtime family friend, and added a stepson, step-grandchildren and step-great grands to his circle of people to love. After LaVelle's death he moved to Lake Jackson and built a new family at Carriage Inn and St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was a faithful Roman Catholic and loved, and was loved by, his Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and his two wives. He is survived by his brother, Francis Law Henderson and his wife, Helen. He leaves his children to keep his stories alive: Mary Henderson Meyers and husband Bruce, Thomas S. Henderson, III and wife Dorlee, Catherine (Suzie) Henderson and partner Gordon Locke, and Winifred Henderson Dominguez and husband Joe and stepson, Craig Bryant and wife Debi. He will be missed by his grandchildren: Lindsay Meyers, Elisabeth Meyers Yoder and husband Patrick, Nathan Henderson and Joel Henderson and by two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Graham Yoder, 2 step-grandchildren, their spouses and their four children. There will be a visitation at Lakewood Funeral Chapel from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, November 19. There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Monday, November 21 at 9:30 a.m. Graveside service will be in Waco, TX at Waco Memorial Park, 6623 I-35, Robinson, TX 76706, at 3:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon. We wish to thank the Staff and residents of Carriage Inn, Amy Flores for her friendship and faithful care, and Father Giovanni Nguyen and Dr. Alkesh Amin. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry at St. Michael's, 100 Oak Drive South, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.





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16 Condolence(s)
Therese Radice
spring tx, TX
Saturday, January 30, 2021

I never met Mr. Henderson but I have seen his picture from Texas A and M. My mother Mary White formerly Moran from Jersey City was his relative.God Bless to his family.

Lois Davis
Lake Jsckson, TX
Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Mary, I am sorry for your loss. Your father's obituary revealed a wonderful man who lived a wonderful life. May your memories bring many smiles to you as you mourn his depature from esrth.

Dianne Fenyk
Golden Valley, MN
Monday, November 21, 2016

Mary, I am so sorry to learn of your father's death. He surely was a wonderful man as he left a beautiful legacy in you, your daughters and grandsons. May you find peace and comfort at this sad time. With love and deep sympathy, Dianne

David, Eloise & Cotton Starr
Houston, TX
Monday, November 21, 2016

Our sincerest condolences go out to Thomas' family. It's a difficult loss for all. May his family be comforted during this very trying time. May Thomas now be at peace with his heavenly father.

Debra Beckmann
Hewitt, TX
Sunday, November 20, 2016

Mary and Suzie, I was your Mom's nurse at Providence back in the day. What a funny lady she was and how happy she is to see Dad again. I'm hoping to see you at graveside.

Debra Beckmann

Dorothy and Duane Rayburn
Lake Jackson, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

Sending our deepest sympathy and love your way. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God's peace, sweet friends.
Dorothy and Duane

Bette and Randy Sanders
New Braunfels, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

"Mr. H" was a large influence in my life and it has been a blessing to be part of the warm and loving Henderson clan. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you as you gather to honor his life and grieve his passing.

Kitten
Austin, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

What a sweetie. I often stopped at the Henderson house when driving from Austin to Amarillo. Sometimes I would be treated to a meal, sometimes to a dessert just coming out of the oven. (Ever had hot homemade macaroons? Yum.). I was always welcomed with that big grin, a hug and stories ...even if I am a "T-sip". Making football schedules won't be the same without making an A&M one for Mr Henderson. He will be missed. Hugs and prayers for the family. I share in your loss. Kitten

Olene McCarty
Robinson, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

You are the kindest man that I have ever met. You always made me feel so much a part of your family. You will be greatly missed.

Donna Paul
Avinger, TX, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

Saddened to hear this news and wish we were closer to attend the services. Gentle hugs and prayers of thanksgiving for your winsome dad. love, Donna and Wayne

Dianne Moore
, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

Dear Mary
How blessed Tom was to have a long and productive life, friends and a wonderful family. You were a good daughter. I know you will miss him.
Dianne

Rob Patyrak MD
San Angelo, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

I am very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I am one of the many family friends who hung out and even" bunked" at the Henderson house. I have two memories of Tom. The first was his great love for the music of Frank Sinatra. That was an education for someone growing up in the 60's and 70's! The second was during a stay at the Hendersons when I was in medical school. Tom introduced me to a drink called a Rob Roy..Powerful stuff! After a couple of those I was feeling no pain and Tom mused: "I have achieved an undertaker's dream--I have laid out a doctor! My best to Mary, Tommy, Suzie(with a heart over the i instead of a dot), an WJ.

Ken and Mary Ellen Nelson
, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

We have fond memories of your father. We know how hard it is to lose a parent, no matter at what age. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Ken and Mary Ellen

Jean & George Warren
Lake Jackson, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

May God's love and promises lift you up.

Donna Lunsford
Lake Jackson, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

Mary, I am so sorry to learn that your dad passed away. I have nothing but good memories of both him and your mother. His infectious smile and friendly personality are how I'll always remember Mr. Henderson! I'm so sorry that I haven't called but that one time. I'm thinking of all of you at this time and will see you on Monday morning. Love, Donna

Dick & Nancy Patyrak
Missouri City, TX
Friday, November 18, 2016

As one of Tom and Helen's "adoptees", Tom's life and passing has left an indelible mark. However, I have been left with so many good memories. Amazing how an Aggie and a Longhorn could be so close. I will never forget the "baptism" of my UT class ring.