Alden Travis Henderson, 100, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at Tanglewood Village in Lubbock, Texas. Born in Cold Springs, Oklahoma, in 1915, to Clarence and Leona Christian Henderson, he spent most of his life in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
Alden was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to all. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was touched by him.
Alden is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jewell Henderson of Lubbock, Texas, and his two sons, Leonard Henderson of Lubbock, Texas, and David and Vicki Henderson of Odessa, Texas; three grandchildren, Andrea Lake, of Fort Worth, Texas; Kevin Henderson of Lubbock, Texas; and Amanda Henderson, of Odessa, Texas, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins who fondly remember Uncle Alden. Also surviving are Jewell’s family who adopted Alden as their own including Phyllis and James Shepard, and grandchildren, Steven, Scott, James, Johnny, and Jack, and their families (11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild), whom he thoroughly enjoyed.
Alden was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Allie Henderson Willard; and wife of 49 years, Edith Pearl Beaty Henderson of Muleshoe, Texas.
Known by most people as Al, he farmed near Farwell, Texas, and House, New Mexico, and mastered heavy equipment maintenance for many local farmers.
A veteran of World War II, Al spent most of his service years in the Pacific as an Army Engineer constructing airbase runways in the Philippine Islands campaigns. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for meritorious service in the face of enemy fire and won marksmanship notoriety with his rifle skills. He was proud that his service to country lasted 4 years, 3 months, 2 weeks, and 1 day.
In his spare time, he enjoyed travelling (seeing all of the United States and all the Canadian provinces), weekly dances, attending musical and comedy venues, and volunteer work.
Visitation will be from 8:30 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Ellis Funeral Home, Muleshoe, Texas, on Thursday, November 12. Alden will be laid to rest at the Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery in Muleshoe, Texas. Graveside services are scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, November 12. Memorial donations are encouraged to be made to your favorite charity including hospice care facilities in Alden’s name. Special thanks are given to the caring staff of Tanglewood Village. Condolences may be sent to 3112 San Pedro Drive, Odessa, Texas 79765.

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