Claude R. Henson Sr.

Claude R. (Papa) Henson Sr., 80, of Salem, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, John O. and Minnie Martin Hudson; brothers, Joe, James, and Elbert Henson; sisters, Nellie Yeatter, and Catherine Higgins; and a daughter, Sherry Lynn Henson. Surviving are his wife, Mary E. Henson; sons, Claude R. Henson Jr. and wife, Vickie, of Salem, Jeffrey A. Henson and wife, Karen, of Moneta, and John O. (Jody) Henson and wife, Becky, of Roanoke; stepdaughter, Donna Britt and husband, Nelson, of Coventry, Conn.; almost daughter, Missy Roberts and husband, Jerry, of Vinton; grandsons, Cameron, Justin and Brooks Henson; granddaughters, Alicia Henson, Mary and Michelle Britt; almost granddaughter, Jenny Roberts; almost grandson, Dustin Robberts; great-grandson, Austin Henson, of Salem; and sisters, Lorene Cyrus and Joyce Kirk, both of Madison Heights. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018 or the SPCA, 1340 Baldwin Avenue, NE, Roanoke, Va. 24012. A memorial service will be conducted 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2009, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. David Mucha and the Rev. Bob Odom. The family will receive friends following the service. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, 540-366-0707.