Robert James Henderson

Robert James Henderson, Sr. of Farmington passed away on Monday, October 21, 2013, at the age of 96 years, 2 months and 10 days. He was born on August 11, 1917, at Minnith, MO, son of the late Thomas J. and Trula E. (Rhyne) Henderson. On October 9, 2013 he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Lillie Dale (Howell) Henderson. Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Georgia Henderson Moore and Marjorie Henderson Link, and two brothers, Adrian Henderson and Thomas Henderson. Robert grew up in St. Mary and Ste. Genevieve and graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School in 1935. In 1942 he was an honor graduate of Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute School of Aviation Mechanics in Glendale, California. He proudly served his country in the Army Air Force during WWII with the 380th Bomb Group as a Staff Sgt. During his service he served as a crew chief on the Liberator B-24 aircraft, Angel in Disguise. He was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines and Okinawa. Before and after his military service Robert was employed in the automotive service industry. While stationed in El Paso, Texas and just prior to deployment to the Pacific Theatre, he married the love of his life, Lillie Dale Howell of Lexington, Missouri. He had a long career as service manager at Fitz Chevrolet-Buick in Farmington, from where he retired in 1982 after thirty-three years of service. On several occasions Robert was recognized by the Chevrolet Motor Division and the Buick Motor Division for outstanding service manager and outstanding customer service. He was elected President of Chapter B of Chevrolet's "Only the Best Club" for service managers in 1981. In his retirement he assumed a second career with the Presbyterian Church of Farmington as Sexton from 1982 to 2005. Since moving to Farmington in 1949, Robert was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church of Farmington where he served as a Deacon and Elder, Church Treasurer and Sunday School teacher. He delivered Meals on Wheels in Farmington for twenty years. Robert and Dale enjoyed traveling to many locations in the U. S. to attend reunions of the 380th Bomb Group. In his spare time Robert enjoyed woodworking and gardening. Survivors include his two sons, Robert James Henderson, Jr. of Kirkwood and David Allen Henderson and his wife, Cynthia, of Overland Park, Kansas; one granddaughter, Katherine Grace Henderson, also of Overland Park; three brothers, Ernest (Christine) Henderson and William (Shirley) Henderson of St. Charles, and Donald Henderson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one sister-in-law, Susie Henderson of Chesterfield; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Visitation will be held at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Friday, October 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday morning in the funeral home from 8 to 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at the Presbyterian Church of Farmington at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Paul Bembower officiating. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorials may be made to Presbyterian Church of Farmington or Presbyterian Manor of Farmington. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, October 25, 2013 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Saturday, October 26, 2013 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Presbyterian Church of Farmington

Saturday, October 26, 2013 10:30 AM Farmington, MO 63640 Directions