Elmer “Ed” Edward Henson

Elmer Edward “Ed” Henson, 89, of Centralia passed away Friday, October 22, 2021. He was born on May 9, 1932, the son of Bradford and Blanche (Rapp) Henson in Wayne County. He married Betty Burgess on December 24, 1950, in Wayne County and a son was born to this union. She preceded him in death on September of 1987. He married Garnita R. Ghere in 1991 at the Community Christ Church of Orchardville and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2016.

Survivors include his beloved family, son, Randy Henson and significant other Tammie Freels of Centralia; stepchildren, Debbie Dailey and husband  Steve of Carlyle, Rick Jasper and wife Jane of Martinsville, Indiana; grandchildren, Ryan Henson and wife Shalisa, and Rob Henson and wife Laura; step-grandchildren, David Huge and significant other Kellee Lamb, Daniel Huge, Johnathan Dailey, Ethan Jasper and wife Sophia, and Matthew Jasper; 5 great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Taylor, Zachary, Nicholas, and Andrew; sisters-in-law Norma Henson, and Judy Allen; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife Betty Henson and wife Garnita Henson, Ed was preceded in death by his parents Bradford and Blanche Henson; and brothers LaVern Henson, and Howard Henson.

Ed served his country with pride in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergant in the Korean War. After his service, he returned home to become a Vice President of Star Services, watching over 200 gas stations in 26 different states. Retirement did not keep Ed from the work force for long as he kept busy working parttime for RJ Reynolds Tobacco, and Monkens Dealership in Centralia. As an accomplished golfer himself, Ed was proud to be one of the owners of the Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval at one time.  Ed was a devoted member of the Community Christ Church of Orchardville. Ed had a contagious smile and made friends easily, as he never met a stranger. He was passionate about sports, always cheering on his favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, and his hometown Centralia Orphans to victory. Ed took great joy in being in the stands to support his grandchildren and great-grandchildren while they played at their various sporting events.  He enjoyed travel, especially to escape the cold of Illinois while visiting in Panama City Beach, Florida. Ed was highly respected and loved and will be remembered as a devoted father, grandpa, and friend.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Ed Henson with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Rick Forth officiating. Interment will follow at Poplar Creek Cemetery in Orchardville where military rites will be accorded by the Centralia VFW Post 2055 American Legion Post 446. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Ed’s honor to Community Christ Church of Orchardville. Online condolences and memories of Ed may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. 

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