Donald Eugene Henderson, 82, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Highland Park Care Center where he had been transferred for Hospice Care. In the three weeks prior, Don had been hospitalized at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff battling several health issues.
Don was born to Herbert A. and Velma M. (Colburn) Henderson on April 17, 1934. He was the oldest of four children. Next in birth order was sister Lois (Don) Porter, and then twins Bonnie (Jack) Coupens, and Bobbie Henderson (Darla).
The family moved frequently in the early years, and in 1939 settled in Alliance and began an excavating business that would become Herbert Henderson and Son Excavating Co.
Then came the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. The immediate United States entry into WWII was a defining moment in Don’s young life. He and many children in Alliance developed friendships with the paratroopers stationed at the Alliance Air Base. Don was instilled with a strong patriotism and in later years became a voracious student of the military and all aspects of WWII.
Don graduated from AHS in 1952 and that same year, he was awarded an appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He was unable to fulfill the appointment as it was found that he was color blind and thus failed the physical requirements.
Don then attended Wayne State Teachers College where he met his wife Carolyn Ann Kolpin of Aurelia, IA. They were married July 19, 1953 at the Evangelical Reformed Church – Peterson, IA. Don and Carolyn returned to college and employment at Wayne, NE until Don was drafted. His induction date into the US Army was July 11, 1956 the same day Elvis Presley was released from duty. Don always claimed he was Elvis’s replacement.
While stationed in Chicago, Ill. The couple had their first child, Lari Denise born on July 27, 1957. After Don’s service was completed the couple moved “home” to Alliance Nebraska. On October 16, 1964 a second daughter, Darcy Kay was born.
Don and Carolyn also applied to the American Field Services, an exchange program for high school students. They welcomed into the family Valerie May (White) Turner from Morpeth, England for a year. Valerie and Lari graduated together with the Class of 1975. Valerie was loved as a third daughter, even though Don always said she “talked funny”.
Don and Carolyn were involved in many activities, among them: the Alliance Eagles Club, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks – where Don served as Exalted Ruler, Sallows Military Museum, and the Alliance Public Library where Don enjoyed presenting favorite books at many Brown Bag Luncheons. They were always ready to lend a helping hand and were rewarded with lifelong friendships.
Don also valued his years in the Alliance School System. Graduating with the Class of ’52, he was diligent to maintain classmate/teacher relationships. The Henderson home served as a home base for all reunions, the door always open, and the coffee pot on.
Don and Carolyn attended St. Matthews Episcopal Church and in later years he renewed his faith at the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his daughters, Lari (Rob) Herman, and Darcy Matlock; his grandchildren, Teal (Clay) Hollmann, Thompson (Jessie) Herman and Sierra (Chris) Ray; great-grandchildren, Tye and Tiernan Hollmann, Brinson and Rome Herman; his sister, Lois Porter; brother, Bobbie Henderson (Darla); and brothers and sister-in-law, Larry and Betty Kolpin, and Fredrick Kolpin.
Don was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Carolyn, parents Velma and Herbert Henderson, father and mother-in-law, Fred T. and Edna Kolpin, sister Bonnie Coupens, brothers-in-law Don Porter and Jack Coupens.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2016 at the Alliance Berean Church. Reverend Jim Rowe will officiate. Inurnment with military rites will be in the Alliance Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Sallows Military Museum or in care of the family at, 1239 Grand Ave., Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.