Billy Cole Henderson

Bill Henderson

8/1/30 - 10/4/18

Billy Cole Henderson, 88, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home and gently into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

Bill's roots began in Blairstown, Missouri where he was born in a humble farm house. His early years consisted of hunting, fishing, farm chores & dreaming about playing the guitar. Bill had a deep passion for music, was a skilled guitarist and taught guitar lessons. He led music worship at church for many years in addition to his three written and recorded country gospel albums. All five of his children were serenaded to sleep in their youth.

When Hank Williams, Sr. performed at the Municipal Auditorium in 1951, Bill had the pleasure of meeting him after the show and walked him to his car over good conversation.

Later in 1951, Bill's life was forever impacted when he was drafted into the Marine Corp. Those early hunting years paid off on the rifle range. A score of 220 awarded a shooter the Expert Shooter title. Bill scored a 221 on the prequalification test, but scored a 218 on testing day. So he settled for the Sharp Shooter title. The trainer at the course remarked, “If it makes you feel any better, I wouldn’t want you shootin’ at me.” Not a day went by where he didn't tell a story about his military experiences. He was released from active duty two years later as a Buck Sergeant.

Bill worked as an employee of Sears & Roebuck for 42 years. His career began in 1947 rolling linoleum in the shop and then worked his way up over the years to Supervisor of the Transportation Department. He retired as a Methods Analyst in 1990. After retirement, he enjoyed 10 years as a school Crossing Guard with the Shawnee Police Department near Broken Arrow Elementary School before retiring again.

Bill was a joy to all who knew him, and a solid foundation to those he held dearest. It was no secret how much he loved to eat, laugh and talk! Always the life of the party and never without multiple stories at the ready. He thoroughly enjoyed the game of baseball (Go Royals!), coached baseball and softball for many years and was the catcher of tens of thousands of pitches in the backyard.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ginger Henderson, of 48 years, children, Garrett (Linda) Henderson, Terry Henderson, Jason (Sarah) Henderson, Gretchen Henderson, Devin (Lynn) Henderson,  and grandchildren, Chris, Madison, Matthew, Daniel, Claire, Charlotte, Cambry, Elsie, and Eva. He is also survived by beloved sister Bonnie Jean Stokes. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Cole Younger & Belle Vannoy Henderson, sister Elsie Toll and brother Joe Henderson.

Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Amos Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12 at the funeral home; burial in the Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens.

A warm and special thank you to both Hearts at Home and Interim Hospice.

As Bill had a soft spot in his heart for children, contributions may be made to Children's Mercy Hospital.