Dr. Gerald Lee “Gary” Henderson
May 4, 1950 – August 25, 2018
Dr. Gerald L. “Gary” Henderson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 25th after a valiant battle with cancer. Gary was born May 4, 1950 in Kearney, Nebraska to Gerald E. and Beulah M. (Baker) Henderson.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Kearney State College and his U.S. Army Officer Commission as a Medical Service Corps officer in 1972. Initially assigned to three years active duty service at Fort Riley, Kansas, he retired as a Major following a 20-plus-year career in the United States Army Reserve. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1989. He practiced in Kearney and Omaha until the time of his death.
Gary and Marilyn (Hardy) were married in Kearney, Nebraska in 1983. Gary had two daughters, Jennifer and Lori, by a previous marriage (Dona Luckey). Marilyn brought a daughter Trina, and a son, BJ, to their union.
Gary was a proud member of Rob Morris Masonic Lodge #46, A.F.& A.M., Kearney, Nebraska, where he served as Worshipful Master and Secretary; Tehama Shriners, Hastings, Nebraska, where he served as Potentate (2004); the International Association Legions Of Honor, where he served as the International Commander and was honored as Legion Noble of the Year (2015); and the National Sojourners, Omaha #19, where he served as President.
Gary loved his Masonic activities, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and University of Nebraska Huskers football. He loved to travel and spend time with his family. He was an avid golfer, a big fan of the Jeopardy game show, and proud of his Irish heritage.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sister Nancy (Richard) Roessler of Cape Coral, Florida, and brother Ted of Tallahassee, Florida; daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Delaney of Omaha, Lori (fiancé Greg Donoho) of Burleson, Texas, son, BJ (Shaundra) Montague of Lincoln, and daughter, Trina (Mike) Ware of Papillion. Gary had 10 grandchildren: Shanissa, Nicole, Emily, Tim, Coralea, Christian, Sabrina, Elly, Nathan and Natalie; and one great grandchild Samuel.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 29th from 6pm to 8pm at the West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd. in Omaha. MASONIC SERVICE: Thursday, August 30th at 10:30am at the West Center Chapel, immediately followed by FUNERAL. Interment: Thursday at 1pm at Omaha National Cemetery with military honors by Ralston American Legion Post 373. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
9 Comments
Our sympathy and prayers.
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. You are in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy to my wonderful co-worker, Jennifer, and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you this week. Pat
I am proud to have served under Gary in the Army National Guard as Medical Specialists assigned to the 195th Armour Battalion. He was my Lieutenant.
But more proud he was my cousin.
Always in my prayers.
No BROTHER could have been closer to me, then GARY was. He was one of the very few men that I loved, and would do anything for. Our years that we spent together in the IALOH were some of the happiest times of my life. I will miss GARY almost more then anyone else I know. Sleep in peace my Brother, and Worship at the right hand of GOD, where YOU belong. Our HEARTS and PRAYERS are with the FAMILY.
Nancy, been a long time since we’ve talked and just wanted you to know I was sorry to hear of your brother’s death.
Our thoughts and prayers to Marilyn and family.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Henderson, as his Admin at Visionworks. Words cannot describe how much I appreciated Dr. Henderson’s dedication. I could ask him to work in 30 minutes and he would be there. Although I never met him in person, he made a positive impact in my life. My family and I have kept Dr. Henderson in our prayers; we will continue to keep his family in our prayers.
I’m glad you were able to be with him. Your family will help keep things balanced and you have great strength.
Respectfully, Kelly
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