Donald "Don" P. Henderson

Donald “Don” P. Henderson, 81, of Monrovia, was released of all his earthly ailments at 3:30 p.m. on April 29, 2021, with his loving family surrounding his bedside. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on November 21, 1939 to the late Olin J. and Ruth M. (Fleetwood) Henderson. A proud 1958 graduate from Ben Davis High School, Don grew up around Bridgeport. During high school, he worked as a lifeguard for Westlake, where he met his first wife and mother of his children. The two were married and settled into life together, moving out of the city to raise the kids in the countryside beauty of Morgan County. Don secured stable employment at Endsley Crane, later establishing himself as a skilled and master craftsman for Westfall Cabinets for twenty years, before opening his own company DP Henderson and Sons Cabinets. A quiet, gentle loving father, he thoroughly enjoyed getting on his children’s level, wrestling with them on the floor. A calm disciplinarian, they knew they had disappointed him just by the look in his eye, giving the incentive to do and be better. Don and his first wife, Karen, split amicably in 1982, knowing they had raised their family, and wanting more from life. In 1993, Don met his soul mate and the love of his life, Irene, while working at Miller’s Merry Manor; he was a maintenance man, and she a QMA. She passed her number to him through a mutual friend, and the rest is history. They spent twenty-six blissful years together, blending their loving families. A member of the Eagles and the Fairfield Friends Church, Don spent his free time building model cars, going on hunting and fishing trips, along with designing and building everything from toys to furniture. Taught by his sister Dorothy to dance during high school, he could cut a rug like no one else, often clearing the dance floor at parties. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers David and O.J. Henderson; and grandchildren, Nick Rice and Elizabeth Faulkenberg. Don leaves behind his devoted wife Irene (Arrington) Henderson of Monrovia; children, Don Henderson of Mooresville, John A. Henderson (wife, Debbie) of Camby, Lori Faulkenberg (husband, Eric) of Monrovia, Billy Rice (wife, Sonya) of Paragon, Cindy Rice (husband, Mark), and Eddie Rice (wife, Emily) all of Indianapolis; former wife, Karen Wukitsch (husband, Mike) of Camby; sister, Dorothy Poole of Jeffersonville; along with ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to gather from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4 at Light Memorial and Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Service will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., Jack Elliott will officiate, and burial will follow in Mt Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the American Cancer Society by calling 800-227-2345, online at donate3.cancer.org, or envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. To share a favorite story, sign the online guest registry or light a candle in Don’s memory, search @MonroviaFuneralHome or please visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Donald "Don" P. Henderson

November 21, 1939 - April 29, 2021