Dr. Collins Henson

Dr. Collins M. Henson, a noted local educator, asleep in Jesus, September 5, 2008, at his residence at Farmington at the age of 81 years. He was born on August 17, 1927, at Frankclay, son of the late Louie and Lucy (Jarvis) Henson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Roma (Badgley) Henson and a sister, LeWanda Walsch. Dr. Henson served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War soon after completing high school. He earned a bachelors degree from Southwest Missouri State University at Springfield, his masters degree from Washington University, and his doctorate from St. Louis University. He held lifetime teaching certificates in nine curricular areas and authored books in curriculum studies and earth science. Dr. Henson worked as both teacher and administrator in the Frankclay public schools; teacher in Fox C-6 schools; teacher, department chair, assistant principal, director of pupil personnel, and assistant superintendent in the Hazelwood School District; Superintendent in the Ste. Genevieve school district and consultant and advisor to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and many of the school districts in the Mineral Area. In addition, Dr. Henson worked 13 years as Assistant to the President of Mineral Area College. While preferring to stay in the background, Dr. Henson was responsible for many millions of dollars in grants to the college and its programs. While at the college, Dr. Henson also worked with Central Methodist University teaching introductory education and psychology courses. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly (Rev. Dr. Gary) Schack, grandchildren, Michelle (Rev. James) King and Robert (Katherine) Schack, three great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Amelia and Hailee King, a brother-in-law Vondale (Charlene) Badgley, nieces, a nephew and other extended family and friends. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Monday, September 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church at Park Hills, followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Eggers officiating. Burial will be at the Frankclay Adams Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hospice Care, Inc.