Sgm (Ret)Thomasl. Henderson

SGM (Ret) Thomas L. Henderson, 90, passed away on January 8, 2012 at Valley View Senior Life Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012 at Second Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Leonard Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6p.m.-8p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel, 805 Caroline Avenue. Memorial contributions may be given to the Second Missionary Baptist Church, 701 W. 10th Street, Junction City, Kansas 66441 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Dr., Suite LL-15,Topeka, KS 66601.

Thomas was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia. He entered the US Army where he spent over 30 years of service to his country, retiring in 1972. While serving his country, he received many medals and awards: Good Conduct Medal, Good Conduct 4th Award, American Def. Service Award, American Thu Service Medal, AS-Pac. Thu. Service Medal, EAM TH Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), Korean Service Medal, National Defense Svc Medal, Good Conduct w/3 Bronze Loops, Combat Infantrymen Badge, ARCOM w/2OLC, Good Conduct medal 5th Award, Good Conduct Medal 6th Award, BSM w/OLC, Vietnam Counter Offensive Phase II, National Defense Service Medal w/1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Dev. 20/S Bars, Army Commendation Medal w/1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Stat Medal Expert Rifle M14, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Combat Infantry Badge and Korean Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars.

Thomas united with the Second Missionary Baptist Church in 1957, where he was very active, beginning with his love of teaching in the Men's class, church clerk for many years, pastor's aid to Rev. Earl Holmes, an ordained Deacon, a licensed Associate Minister, Laymen, served on the Benevolence Committee, the teaching staff of the Mission Department, chairman of the Adult Ministry, Prayer Meeting and BTU Instructor, member of the Study Mission Circle, generous supporter of the local and state Sunbeam Department, sponsor of Youth trips/activities, was one of the 50 years plus members, a great encourager and an evangelist everywhere he went. He was also a graduate of Manhattan Christian College.

He was past President of the Junction Branch of the NAACP.

Thomas's work included: jobs at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Fort Riley Credit Union, and Jack& Dick's Pawn Shop until civilian retirement.

Rev. Thomas L. Henderson was united in marriage to Lillie B. Henderson-Sanders-Henderson on July 24, 1999 at Second Missionary Baptist Church.

The late Rev. Thomas Lucas Henderson leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Lillie B. and stepchildren, Robert (Johnnie) Sanders, Teresa Jackson, and Margaret (Steve) Morris. His children: Thomas L. Henderson, Jr., Dennis Henderson, Terrance Henderson, Rueben Henderson, and Stephen Henderson; twenty-five grandchildren and over fifty great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, foster children, extended family and friends who will also treasure the memory and who will continue to miss him.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Annie and Bertram Solomon Henderson, brother, James Henderson, and daughter, Gwendolyn (Henderson) Devine.