Douglas R. Henderson

EASTON - Douglas Raymond Henderson, 79, passed on from this world April 15, 2011, at a Bangor hospital after complications from heart surgery. Doug, son of Doris (Walton) and Perry Henderson, was born Aug. 9, 1931, at the family homestead on the Houlton Road in Presque Isle. Along with his parents, Doug was predeceased by four brothers, Winfred Henderson, Aubray Henderson, Elwood Henderson and Bobby Henderson; and seven sisters, Iona Perkins, Katherine "Kay" Gill, Clara Jett, Glenna Tingely, Betty Dalhgren, Donna Moore and Lois (Honey) Henderson. Survivors include sisters, Mabel Brown and Irene and husband, Ted Lint, of Presque Isle; and brothers, Pat and wife, Betsy Henderson, of Dallas, Carlton Henderson and partner, Dot Hovey, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., and Richard Henderson and his wife, Sandra, of Presque Isle. A number of special nieces and nephews adorn his family tree. On Oct. 11, 1991, Doug married Janice Brown, his wife of nearly 20 years, and partner in life for 27 years. Together they shared many business adventures, camping trips and family gatherings. Their marriage joined Doug with a ready-made family, from which he took much pride and pleasure. His surviving children include Mark and Donyse Babin of Unity, Melinda and Mark King of Littleton, Michele and Travis Kearney of Mars Hill and Mia and Stephen Pangburn of Easton. In addition are the apples of his eye - his grandchildren, Rudi, Zachary, Jalen, Devon, Samantha, Elijah and Luke. Also surviving are granddaughters, Brandi Morang and Nichole Hussey; and four great-grandchildren, Amber, Reese, Carson and Devin. Aside from his family, Doug's greatest source of pride was his service to his country with the U.S. Army. After entering the National Guard Dec. 12, 1949, his service took him to active duty as a full-time captain in 1963. While on active duty, Doug served two tours in Vietnam, 1965-1966 and 1968-1969. On Dec. 23, 1969, Doug was commissioned as lieutenant colonel, the capacity in which he served until his retirement in 1981. While in service, his duties included that of field artillery officer for 18 years and tactical/strategic intelligence officer for seven years. Throughout his service Doug accumulated numerous decorations and honors from the U.S. Army. These awards include the Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Medal of Honor 1st Class, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon. For Doug, retirement simply meant moving on to different adventures. Doug's many endeavors included Easton Longhaul, Henderson Oil Co., Kana Oil, D & D Truck Stop, Henderson's Convenience Store at Easton Center, and even a brief journey into the world of ostrich farming. Doug was raised as a master Mason June 21, 1961, in the Eastern Frontier Lodge, Fort Fairfield, and served as its last worshipful master before its closing in 1988. It was Dec. 26, 1989, that Douglas then became affiliated with the Trinity Lodge, Presque Isle. Doug was due to receive his 50-year membership pin from the Masonic Lodge this June. Visiting hours will be held noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Church Street, Presque Isle, where services will be held 2 p.m. A spring burial with full military honors will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug's memory may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children-Boston, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 or online at www. shrinershospitalforchildren.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.