Jerry Ray Henderson

Jerry Ray Henderson, 91, passed away on August 8, 2023, in Colorado Springs.

Jerry was born June 15, 1932, in Coldwater, Kansas to James and Margaret (Simpson) Henderson. The family moved to Salida when Jerry was 7 years old.

As a child, Jerry spent a lot of his youth at the family cabin up Pass Creek. This is where he found a love of the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

Jerry enlisted in the Navy in November of 1951 and was honorably discharged in November 1955. He was always proud to have served as a Sea Bee. After the military, Jerry worked many different jobs including construction work, a route salesman for Pepsi Cola, and a mill operator at the Pinnacle Mine. In 1971, Jerry went to work for the Salida Fire Department, retiring as a Fire Captain in 1991.

Jerry married his wife Barbara in 1977 and became a stepfather to 3 girls and a boy.

A few years after retiring, Jerry and Barbara began spending their winters in Lake Havasu Arizona. They met many new friends and thoroughly enjoyed their time in the desert. Jerry played golf every day in Arizona and when he came back to Salida in the summers, he would play at least one round a week with his son right up until he no longer could.

Jerry’s love for dogs was tremendous. He especially had an affinity for West Highlands White Terriers and would willingly dog sit every chance he got.

Jerry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a friend to many and will be missed by all.

Jerry is survived by his wife Barbara, stepson Doug (Robin) Bess, stepdaughters Pam (Dan) Ashley, DeDe (Tom) Hemmings, and Renee (Kevin) Thonhoff, 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, sister Nancy Nelson and brother Joe Henderson.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents James and Margaret Henderson, brothers Clifford, Jack, Bud, Bob, and sister Marie Tessadri.

A memorial service is planned for August 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Ark Valley Humane Society through Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home. Arrangements are with the Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home.

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