James Eldon Henson

James Eldon Henson, 94, passed away at his home in Marionville on June 21, 2022. He was born in Jenkins,  on May 23,1928, to Melvin Cyril “Jack” and Flossie Marie (McNeely) Henson.
He began his service in the Army in 1951 with basic training in Colorado Springs, Colo., and was later stationed at Baumholder, Germany. He was united in marriage to Beatrice Barbara (Bradley) on May 12, 1954. The couple resided in Coffeyville, Kan., where he used his knowledge of auto mechanics gleaned from working at Henson and Son Garage in Jenkins at Smith Chevrolet dealership in Coffeyville. Henson and family returned to Missouri where he later began his 30-year career in field operations and management at U-Haul Moving and Storage. He spent many of those years working with his lifelong friend, Calvin Holman, of Cassville. He retired from U-Haul in May of 1990. Henson and his wife of 68 years, Beatrice “Bea”, enjoyed their retirement years in Marionville where he raised various livestock, including emus.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice and three children, Michael Steven (Michelle) Henson of Pleasant Hope, Donna Kay Foster of Billings and Deborah Ann Henson of Springfield; five grandsons; nine great-grandchildren.
Henson was preceded in death by his parents, Jack, and Flossie; an infant sister, Virginia, and sister, Wilma and brother-in-law, John McCallister of Cassville.
A visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, at the Williams Funeral Home in Marionville, a funeral service followed at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with U.S. Navy Chaplain Derek Henson (grandson) officiating. Burial followed at the Clio Cemetery in Jenkins with full military honors.
Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeMo.com.