Elaine Marie Henderson

In Loving Memory of Elaine Marie Henderson (Apel) Elaine Marie Henderson, age 87, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. Born in 1937 in Bucklin, Missouri, to Edith and Carl Apel, Elaine spent her early years on the family farm, where she learned the resilience and work ethic that would shape her remarkable life. A proud graduate of Marceline High School, Elaine began her professional journey at Kansas City Bank and Trust, working alongside dear friends Georgia McGee and Colleen Malloy. Her passion for learning led her to Fullerton Junior College and Cal State Fullerton, ultimately earning a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Houston. Elaine dedicated her early career to teaching remedial reading in the Houston Independent School District while raising her children. Her entrepreneurial spirit later inspired her to establish Clear Lake Aviation, a flight school and aviation business in League City, Texas. Following that venture, she served as operations manager at Houston Hobby Airport, where her keen intellect and skillful problem-solving earned widespread admiration. It was at Hobby Airport where Elaine serendipitously reunited with David Henderson-a flight instructor she had once employed. Their unexpected meeting blossomed into a loving partnership, and they went on to marry and share a life filled with joy, travel, and companionship. Together, they traveled in Central and South America, Scandinavia, and Italy. Elaine's passion for civic engagement led her to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, representing District 25. Though she did not win, she cherished the friendships and connections formed during the campaign. A devoted member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Austin, Texas, Elaine found lifelong joy in music and sang in the church choir with heartfelt devotion. Elaine and David also spent many happy years in the vibrant community of Galveston, Texas, where they enjoyed dining out and hosting friends and family. Elaine was predeceased by her parents Edith and Carl Apel, brother Gerald Apel,and his wife Harlene of Michigan and brother in law Frank Robert Henderson of Kansas. She is survived by her loving husband David Henderson; sister in law Karen Henderson of Kansas; son Stephen Snowden and his wife Sherri of Canyon Lake, Texas; daughter Leslie Snowden and her husband Gary Lane of Goshen, Massachusetts; stepson Frank Henderson and his wife Lana of Palestine, Texas; stepson Mark Henderson of Detroit, Michigan; granddaughter Sydney Snowden of Taylor, Texas; grandson Scott Snowden of Des Moines, Iowa; and granddaughter Sophia Lohman and her husband Jacob of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Niece Karyn Apel Ulishney and her husband Mark of Boca Raton, Florida; Nephew Marq Apel and his wife Rhonda of Romeo, Michigan; Nephew Karl Apel of San Diego, CA. Elaine will be remembered for her intellegence, entrepreneurial spirit, and the warmth she shared with all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished. Graveside services will be held at on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 1 pm at the Bucklin Masonic Cemetery in Bucklin, MO. Local arrangements are under the direction of Delaney Funeral Home in Bucklin.