Richard "Dick" Henderson

Richard "Dick" A. Henderson, 86 of Columbiaville, MI passed away on May 26, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Dick was born June 22, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio to Ervin & Phyllis (Tyson) Henderson. He graduated from Lapeer High School, class of 1955. After high school he attended Michigan State University earning a Bachelors degree in Industrial Arts and his Master's degree in Education. He often spoke fondly of his time on the banks of the Red Cedar and continued to be a lifelong supporter of MSU. On August 30, 1958, he married his sweetheart, Judith A. Erickson in a ceremony in Lapeer and went on to share over 65 years together.
Dick started his 35-year career with Lapeer Schools in 1963 before retiring in 1998. He taught Shop classes, driver training and other courses at what was then Lapeer High School. He then transitioned to administration becoming Director of Buildings and Grounds Maintenance. He often spoke fondly of the people and relationships he developed throughout his years at Lapeer Schools and the influence they had on his career. During his tenure at the District, he managed many significant building projects including Lapeer East High School, Murphy, and Seaton Elementary Schools. He was instrumental in constructing the soccer field at the former Lapeer West High School which was then dedicated as "Henderson Field" soon after completion. Dick had a wealth of knowledge regarding the school buildings and grounds and was still called upon many times after retirement with questions regarding the school's facilities. He accumulated many miles driving around in his truck checking on the status of various projects.
Dick grew up on a farm in Millville (Arms Farm) which created his passion for farming and tractors that continued throughout his life. He and Judy took many drives through the Thumb area of Michigan to check on the status of planting and harvest seasons. He also enjoyed restoring McCormick Farmall and Ford tractors as a hobby and mowing grass at their farm outside of Columbiaville. Above all, he enjoyed being with his family and was a proud father and grandfather loving them all dearly.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Judy Henderson (Erickson), and his children Douglas (Beth) Henderson of Lapeer, Jeffrey (Cathy) Henderson of White Lake, Jennifer (Art) Doyle of Lapeer, grandchildren Ryan (Sarah) Ward of Davison, Alex (Miyuki) Henderson of London, England, Erica (Ken) Ingles of Lapeer, Haley (Fiancé Jarrett Durant) Ward of Colorado, Lindsay Henderson of Portland Oregon, Meredith (Tim) Wildey of Davison and Jamie Henderson of White Lake, great grandchildren Isa, Rowan and Gemma Ward, Timmy Wildey, brother Gilbert (Myrna) Henderson of Brighton, brother-in-law Gene Erickson, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin & Phyllis Henderson and sister-in-law Betty Erickson.
Friends may visit on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 2-8 PM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors - Capstick Chapel in Lapeer. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11 AM, with an hour of visiting prior at Grace Episcopal Church, 735 W. Nepessing St, Lapeer, MI 48446. Rev. Sarah Parks will officiate. Richard will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Lapeer.
Memorial contributions may be made payable to Lapeer Community Schools and to the attention of Erica Ingles, to be used for a capital improvement fund.