Glen Henson

GLEN E. HENSON Blue Springs - America lost one of the "Greatest Generation" on April 28, 2023. Glen E. Henson left a large footprint on life. His wonderful story can perhaps be best defined by four concepts on which he never wavered: hard work, innovation, family first, and above all - positive mental attitude. Born into a humble beginnings in Mt. Vernon, Ill. on March 28, 1926, he didn't even wear shoes to school. He had five siblings - Alma ("Bud"), Orval Chester ("O.C."), Cora, Icel, and Mary Lou. His parents were Orval and Eva Henson, who raised them in the RLDS church. Glen was active in sports during his high school days in Decatur, Ill., where his parents owned a small grocery store. In 1944, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained as a gunner on the B-29 bomber, and was ready for service in the Pacific when World War II came to end. After the war he attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, where he met Peggy Smith - and proposed marriage after dating for three weeks. They were married 66 years and had four children. She passed in 2014. Glen was also a star player for the Graceland basketball team. He would later get a full four-year degree in business from Indiana State University. Glen was a serial entrepreneur and went on to start several businesses in Decatur: musical instruments and lessons, lawn mower manufacturing, an advertising agency, a miniature golf course, and church furniture manufacturing. But his greatest success and life's work was to come when he moved the family to Independence, Mo. in 1963. In 1966, Glen invented the "Mini-Gym," an exercise unit that eventually developed into a full line of "isokinetic" machines. The most popular device (The Leaper) - designed to improve quickness and vertical jump - became popular with high school and college teams worldwide. The Mini-Gym equipment was unique; and used by athletes, NASA astronauts in outer space, Olympians, and physical therapists. Glen loved playing sports with his children, and was well known for playing quarterback in the neighborhood football games - always in his dress pants(!). A diehard sports fan, Glen stuck with his Royals and Chiefs through good times and bad (mostly bad!). He enjoyed playing golf and racquetball, and above all - going to the office. His work was not just his vocation, but his lifelong hobby. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and is survived by his daughter Debbie (Steve) Benner of Independence; Greg (Holly) Henson of KC, Mo.; Brad (Stephanie) Henson of Parkville; and Scott Henson of Prairie Village. He had 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending his final years with his companion Patricia Holcumb. Glen passed peacefully at his home in Blue Springs at the age of 97. For those who knew and loved him, it is hard to imagine that this great brother, patriot, entrepreneur, friend, fan, husband and father ... is gone. Whatever life threw at him, his response was to look forward, to be positive, and to embrace the next challenge. It served him well and so many benefited from the life of Glen E. Henson. There will be a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31 at Heartland Tan, 4250 NE Sun Ct., Lee's Summit, MO 64064. Donations are suggested to be made to Gentiva Hospice, 20101 E. Jackson Dr., Suite A, Independence. MO 64057.