Ernest Henderson

Ernest Lamar Henderson, 95, passed away December 4, 2025, at his residence, north of Itasca, Texas. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro, with Kevin Rhodes officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, at Marshall and Marshall. Burial will follow the service at Itasca Cemetery, Itasca, Texas.

He was born July 24, 1930, to George and Ida Henderson at the family home just outside of Grandview, Texas. Ernest and his siblings grew up in Southern Johnson and Northern Hill County on the family farms. Ernest graduated Itasca High School, May 1947. He went on to serve his country, during the Korean Conflict, in the Navy as a radar man aboard the U.S.S. Rowe.

Ernest married Janette Nix August 15, 1960, in Grandview, Texas. Ernest and Janette made their home in Monahans, Texas during the early years of their marriage while Ernest worked for El Paso Natural Gas. They returned to Itasca and Ernest soon began working with his father-in-law, L.C. Nix at the Nix Brothers Sinclair. Afterwards, he worked at NAPA repairing vehicles as Henderson's Garage. Ernest eventually took a position at the Bell Helicopter Grand Prairie Plant in 1978 where he primarily assembled helicopter gearboxes alongside his brother Donald Henderson. Among his co-workers, he was considered the very best assembler and troubleshooter in the plant. Because of this, he was often asked to troubleshoot gearboxes that were sent back due to failure.

Ever the gifted mechanic, carpenter and gardener, Ernest was known for working long hours and even overnight to repair tractors for the local farmers. In his infrequent spare time, he would tackle projects on and in their home. Often completing the project before his children, grandsons, or nephews could arrive to assist. His garden was something he took great pride and care. Anyone who would visit always left loaded with whatever vegetable was coming off that day.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ida Henderson, brothers Wayne, James, George, Jr., Joe and Donald, and sister Laverne Fletcher, son-in-law, Randy Schulz and daughter, Georgann Henderson.

Ernest is survived by his beloved wife, Janette, their children Mike (Kaye) Henderson of Hillsboro, Susan Schulz of Itasca and Bryan (Renee) Henderson of North Richland Hills. Grandchildren, Jacque (Victor) Sader, April Cook (Aaron), Dereck (Maddy) Henderson, Veronica (Jonathan) Cunningham, Justin Schulz, Duncan Henderson and Samuel Henderson. Great-grandchildren, Vic (Anna) Sader, Alyssa, Travis and Jorja Sader, Ally and Abby Cook, Cal Henderson, Marvin and Laura Cunningham. Great-Great-grandchildren, Hazel and Scarlett Sader.

The family would like to express our immense gratitude to Alamo Hospice and their staff for the excellent care and compassion shown our family over the past 12 months.

The family requests memorials be made to:

Cherokee Home for Children

P.O Box 295

Cherokee, TX 76832

Or

Tipton Children's Home

1000 N Broadway Ave

Tipton, OK 73570