Samuel Ray Henderson

Samuel Ray Henderson, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2018, at age 82, of prostate and bladder cancer. Born on February 6, 1935, Sam was the son of Ray and Violet Henderson of Warsaw, IN.  Sam was a graduate of the 1952 Class of Warsaw High School.  He graduated in 1956 from DePauw University, where he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity and made friendships that have lasted a life time.  While at DePauw Sam met and married Barb Peterson and together they had two sons, Scott and Peter.  In 1956 he was commissioned into the US Navy, where he attended O?cer Candidate School and proudly served as a Lt. Jr. Grade.  Upon returning from service Sam attended Indiana University Law School, ?nishing ?rst in his class. Sam practiced law in Warsaw IN with the ?rm of Grahm, Razor & Harris.  In 1967 Sam moved to Benton Harbor to begin practice with Ron Sondee.  Community Service was important to Sam and he served as attorney for both Benton Harbor City and Township.  Sam became a partner in the Law Firm of Globensky, Gleiss, Henderson & Bittner.  He later became in-house attorney for Mercy-Memorial Hospital, now known as Lakeland Health.  During this time he was President of the Hospice at Home Board, (Caring Circle). While in Michigan, Sam began his life with Diane Radewald, a loving, life-long companion.   In 1987 Sam moved to Wichita KS where he was general counsel for St. Francis Regional Medical Center, later Via Christi Health.  Upon his retirement, Sam and Diane enjoyed life in Scottsdale AZ until a few years ago when they returned to St. Joseph MI. In 2017 Sam was recognized and honored for his 50 year membership in the Michigan State Bar Association.  He was also a member of the Indiana and Kansas Bar Associations. Sam truly loved life, especially a spirited conversation over a drink or glass of wine with friends.  He and Diane enjoyed traveling the world, meeting people from various cultures, as well as time spent with family and friends.  He participated in tennis, golf, hiking and was thrilled when the Cubs won the pennant in 2016!  Sam was an avid reader with a bright mind and quick wit.  Even as Sam’s health declined, he never complained, was gracious with caregivers, always had a smile, a sparkle in his eye and lived with dignity. Sam is survived by Diane Radewald, long time companion and loving caregiver.  He is survived by sons, Scott (AZ) and Peter (Chandi) (TX), grandchildren:  Meredeth (Andrew), Hannah, Sam and Dana; his sister, Norma, (NY) niece, Diane Bowen, nephew, Howard Sharp and great nephew Evan Bowen and countless beloved friends. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, siblings:  Half brothers, Harold and Bob and sister in law, Minnette. A military service will be held in Arizona at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at a later date.  Friends and family will gather in Michigan this spring for a celebration of Sam’s life, at a date to be determined. In lieu of ?owers memorial donations may be made to Caring Circle, (formerly Hospice at Home) 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph MI 49085; Lory’s Place, 445 Upton Drive, St. Joseph MI  49085; DePauw University, O?ce of Annual Giving, 300 Seminary, PO Box 37, Greencastle IN 46135-0037; or charity of donor’s choice. Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.