Roger Donald Henson, 76, long-time resident of Marysville, Wash., died at the home of his daughter on Jan. 8, 2007, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born March 5, 1930, in Eastland, Texas to the late Earl P. and Lila Henson. He attended schools in Cisco, Texas.
In 1947 he enlisted in the Navy, where he served from 1947 to 1950. He was honorably discharged after earning the rank of Electricians Mate Third Class and serving his country faithfully.
He then moved to Washington state and settled in Marysville, where he has resided for most of his adult life. He met his best friend, Barbara, through mutual friends in 1968 and they married April 25, 1969.
He was employed for over 30 years for Weyerhaeuser Co. and was chief electrician at the Coos Bay, Ore. mill when he retired. He also was a commercial fisherman. He was active in many organizations including Moose Lodge, where he held many positions over the years, including President.
He was also very active in Marysville-Pillchuck High School sports, attending many boys varsity football and basketball games with his wife and friends even though he was raising three girls at the time and no boys. In his free time he enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and hunting with family and friends, many of whom still meet together monthly to enjoy lunch and reminisce about the many camping adventures over the past 40 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Bob Smith; daughter, Joyce Gonzales; daughter and son-in-law, Janis and Steve Barclift; and two grown children from a previous marriage, Donna (Jay) Weewie, and Darren (Grace) Henson; nine grandchildren, Lesley (Matt), Wesley, Jenna (Drew), Elaina, Jill, Angela, Evan, Michael and Hannah; three beautiful great-granddaughters, Kianna, Kaitlyn and Abigayle; and his favorite pals his two gran-dogs, Sabre and Dylan; his sisters, Virginia, Barbara and Sylvia (Jim); and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, Earl P. and Lila Henson; his brothers, Wayne, Albert and Glen; and his sisters, Kathryn, Hester, Wanda, Pauline and Willie, preceded him in death. His sons, Kerry and Kevin also preceded his in death.
He was a very loving, generous husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He was laid to rest at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Wash. Friends are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Rogers life to be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, Marysville, Wash., to be followed by a luncheon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Marysville.