William Douglas Henson

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 

William Douglas (Doug) Henson passed away peacefully in his Eastland, Texas home on his 85th birthday. He was laid to rest, March 16, 2026, at Strouds Creek Cemetery in Tolar, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home Eastland. 

Doug was born in Athens, Texas, March 13, 1941, to Howard and Mildred Speer Henson, being the second oldest of four sons. The Henson family lived throughout Texas and New Mexico before moving to Denver City, Texas, where Doug met his future wife Janet McIlroy, daughter of A. Y. and Iris Elliott McIlroy. Doug and Janet were married on May 25, 1963. The couple lived in several locations: Midland, Lubbock, Dallas, and San Angelo, before eventually moving to Duncanville, Texas, in 1976, where they raised their five children.

Doug graduated Class of 1961 from Lovington, New Mexico and attended Texas Tech University. He served for close to eight years in the National Guard first in New Mexico, and then Texas. Doug was baptized in 1961, and was a devoted Christian husband, father, and friend. He served as a deacon for Duncanville Church of Christ where the Hensons were members. Doug was a man that led by example, with a kind heart and an always listening ear. He thought before he spoke, helped other people behind the scenes, and had a very strong work ethic.

Being a draftsman and machine designer in a diverse field of industries, Doug retired after a 25 year career with Frito-Lay, for whom he traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. After retiring, Doug and Janet explored Europe on two different occasions, visiting Austria, Germany, and Italy (Doug's favorite).

In 2010, Doug and Janet moved to Tolar, Texas, to be closer to their aging mothers in Granbury and attended the Tolar Church of Christ. He continued being of service to others, enjoying visiting with friends and family, supporting local initiatives and traveling with his wife and family. Relocating to Eastland, Texas in 2018, Doug and Janet were active members of the Gorman Church of Christ.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, brother Joe, sister/brother-in-law: June Henson, Barbara Brown, Mac McIlroy, Gary Sullivan, and nephews Weldon Brown and Stony Henson.

Doug is survived by his wife of 62 years, his children Suzan (Randy) Levins, Kathryn (Keith) Yarbrough, Lisa Henson (Phil Smart), James Henson and Jeffrey Henson, grandchildren: Ross (Maria) Shipman, Sierra (Quintin) Sims, Tytus (Abi) Yarbrough, Matthew Levins (Makenzie Uwe) and great grand children: Scarlett and Judah Shipman. He is also survived by his brothers, Phil and Jack, sister/brother-in-law: Reba Henson, Karen Sullivan, Coy Brown, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers and gifts the family has requested that donations in memory of Doug Henson be made to: Strouds Creek Cemetery Association P.O. Box 121 Tolar, Texas 76476