Raymond Henderson

Raymond Henderson, 79, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Grand Junction and Chicago, was called to be with his heavenly Father on Friday, October 23, 2009, at Countryside Nursing Home, South Haven. Raymond was born November 15, 1929 in Elorado, Arkansas to Anne (Long) Huey; and raised in Chicago by his mother and stepfather, Jerome Huey. He was drafted into the Army and served in Korea during the war; after which he started his family, acquired several properties and became a small business owner, and drove a bus for Chicago Transit Authority. A major part of Ray’s life was devoted to music, as he played the saxophone in his own band and also wrote music. He moved to Grand Junction in 1969, where he farmed with his wife of 34 years, Shirley, and also did factory work at Bohn Aluminum and Controlled Rubber, and also was a truck driver for several years. Raymond touched many lives, he will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley; and son, Michael Henderson, who died in 1968.

Surviving are four daughters – Angela Henderson of South Haven, Cherise Henderson of Los Angeles, Calif, Lisa Motton of Kalamazoo, and Sue Lory of Canton, Mich; six grandchildren – Charles III, Deziray, Jason, Brandon, Erin, Koby; four great-grandchildren – Dominique, Desire, Jaylin, and Charles IV; a stepbrother Jerome (Beryl) Richards, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, with “A Celebration of His Life” immediately following at 11 a.m. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, South Haven. Officiating the service will be Pastor William Richardson of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Covert. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt family funeral home of South Haven 637-0333.