Gary L. Henderson, 80, of Shawnee, KS, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026. Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 AM, Rosary at 10:30 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Shawnee, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Catholic Charities of NE Kansas, Wounded Warrior Project, or the ASPCA.
Gary was born February 7, 1946, in Warsaw, Indiana to Lee and Wanda (Thompson) Henderson. He was a veteran serving in Vietnam with the Ninth Infantry Division of the United States Army from 1966-1967. He spent his elementary school years in Dallas, Texas, where he developed a lifelong love for the Dallas Cowboy and lived and died with them during their glory days, and during their decline. His high school years were spent in Bend, Oregon, where his parents owned a dairy farm. The strong work ethic he learned during those years stayed with him throughout his life.
Gary worked at the Kansas City, Missouri Federal Reserve Bank from 1969 to 1979, followed by a couple of years of “retirement” while enjoying time with his family. He followed up with owning and running a liquor store for some years, and after selling the store he tried another period of retirement. That lasted until he joined Bichelmeyer Meats at their Kansas City, Missouri location. His final employment was with Loomis as an over-the-road armored car driver. It was his last job before his final retirement in 2011.
Gary engaged in a variety of activities. He was on the Federal Reserve bowling, and baseball teams, and earned the nickname “Hondo”, in reference to professional player John Havlicek, while playing on the basketball team. He also bowled on various bowling leagues in Shawnee, KS; He played racket ball, hand ball and golf. He most enjoyed golf when he didn’t slice the ball. He also helped coach his oldest son’s football and baseball teams during elementary and middle school. He liked to fish, and he and his wife had some wonderful times fishing at Maynard Lake Lodge in Ontario Canada. The name of the game was to see who could catch the largest Walleye. Trips to Las Vegas to beat the odds were also enjoyed. He was also a long time member of the immediate or extended family/friend fantasy football league. His last participation was on their draft day, August 30, 2026.
Gary was a family man and always did whatever it took to put his family first. No sacrifice was too great or too small. He made friends easily and was the epitome of an extrovert. He never knew a stranger, He especially enjoyed hearing the stories of veterans and learning about their experiences. His interest in people and history was also reflected in his enjoyment of autobiographies and historical documentaries.
Gary was preceded in death by still born baby sister, half brother Ben Henderson and daughter Lee Ann, and his numerous aunts and uncles.
Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Catherine Margaret (McLean) Henderson, three children, three children: Mark (Lisa), Renee Curtiss (Jake), Brian (Erin); grandchildren Jocelyn Dunn, Jared, and Lindsey Henderson; Joseph, Saige, and Catherine Yoksh; Noah,and Maci Henderson; brother Keith (Barbara); nieces Renee Cunningham and children, Brandi Coomes (Peter); great niece Mary Coomes Nester (Larry), Amanda DeBlouw (Bernd), great nephew Rory Robinson, and many cousins.