Oliver Glenn Henson

URBANA – Oliver Glenn Henson, age 93, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2025. He was born on Nov. 18, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio. Glenn was the son of Oliver Jacob and Harriet Lawrence Henson.

In 1954, Glenn graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering while participating in ROTC. While completing his commitment in the United States Air Force, he trained on the T-6 aircraft, was an instructor pilot in a L-19 aircraft, and became a mission pilot on a T-29 at the Gary AFB in Texas. He received his honorable discharge as a 1st Lieutenant at Connally AFB, Texas, in 1957.

In late 1957, Glenn started his 39-year career at the Grimes Manufacturing Co. as an engineer designing warning indicator lights for the Mercury space capsule along with many interior and exterior aircraft lights. Later in his career he traveled the world as a field sales engineer and with the help from his beloved colleagues, grew Grimes into the world's leader in aircraft lighting.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Roberts Henson, whom he met on a blind date while working at Grimes and married in 1958. He was preceded in death by his son Robin Henson, survived by his son, Randy Henson (Julie) and daughter Kim Henson Ludgate. He was a devoted grandfather to two grandchildren: Hannah Henson Knight (Joe), Clark Henson (Delaney), and three great-grandchildren: Hattie and Arthur Knight and Ollie Henson.

Glenn was preceded in death by his sister Edith Henson Kreidler, survived by his brother Frank Henson (Jean) and his sister Mary Henson Leedom. He will be deeply missed by all his nieces and nephews.

In his free time Glenn loved to rebuild unique cars culminating with his 1971 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 coupe that won national car of the year for two consecutive years. He immensely enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, watching Ohio State football and basketball games, and catching the Cincinnati Reds in spring training. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Glenn would tee off with his dear friends at the Urbana Country Club.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at WALTER & LEWIS FUNERAL HOME, 642 S. Main St., Urbana, Ohio 43078.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Day City Hospice, 7601 Paragon Rd. Suite 203, Centerville, Ohio 45459 and Grimes Flying Lab Foundation, 1636 N. Main St., Urbana, Ohio 43078.