(Lawrence) Fred Henderson, age 91, entered the arms of Jesus on the morning of March 21, following a battle with cancer.
The son of Carl and Lena (Lineberry) Henderson, he was born in Elwood on July 17, 1931, graduated from Elwood High School in 1949 and attended Ball State University for two years.
He married his high school sweetheart, Jenny McCorkle, on July 28, 1950, and they enjoyed more than 64 wonderful years of marriage before Jenny’s passing in 2014.
Fred is survived by two sons and three daughters, Jay (Nancy) Henderson of The Woodlands, Texas, Sherry (Dave) Kaat of Lowell, Mark (Val) Henderson of Hudsonville, Joni (Dave) Mills of Portage and Julie (Mark) Seale of Glendale, Ariz.
In addition, surviving Fred are 11 grandchildren, Eleanor Henderson; Kyle (Leslie) and Rebecca Kaat; Matt (Trisha) and Nik Henderson; Mandi (Samuel) Moreno, Skyler (Ashley), Payton (Kadison), and Brady Mills; and Ben and Grace Seale. He also leaves 13 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Madisyn, Aven and Lily; Oliver and Avery; Reagan and Harper; Ava, Emma, and Mila; Maya and Josiah. His sister, Patty Mitchell of Anderson, also survives him.
In addition to his wife, Jenny, Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Russ and Max Henderson; and his sister, Jane Ratican.
After college, Fred pursued a career in sales and joined Nu-Wool Co, Inc., in Jenison, as its first ever salesperson in 1970. Eventually promoted to president, Fred guided the company for most of the next three decades, as it became one of the leading cellulose insulation manufacturers in the country.
Living by the Golden Rule, Fred loved the people he worked with and the customers he interacted with. His spirit made the company what it is today and his employees were like family.
Fred was an active member of First Reformed Church of Grandville for many years, served on the Board of Wyoming Public Schools for multiple terms, was active in Pinery Park Little League and was a business and community leader.
Integrity in all areas of life and his unselfish care for others caused Fred to greatly impact many lives, beginning with his wife and family. Fred and Jenny’s marriage relationship was an amazing, beautiful example of lasting, loving devotion.
Fred’s love and care for others continued through his very last days here on earth, even reminding his family from his Hospice bed to drive home safely! Many family members were able to be with Fred in his final moments, praying and singing worship hymns around his bed.
The family wishes to thank Fred’s many helpful neighbors and friends, his “Brady Bunch” caregivers and the staff of Faith Hospice at home and at Trillium Woods.
The family will welcome friends and relatives for visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, at Cook Funeral and Cremation Services (West Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Mich. A funeral service will be at First Reformed Church, 3060 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, Mich., on Wednesday, April 12, at 11 a.m. (visitation beginning at 10 a.m.), with a luncheon immediately following at the church. Mark Davis will be officiating.
In honor of Fred, memorial contributions may be made to World Mission or Faith Hospice.
The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.co m.
