Gary Henderson

Gary Lee Henderson, 78, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2016 surrounded by his family.  

Gary was born March 1, 1938 in Grand Junction, Iowa to Claude B. and Dorothy (Youngblood) Henderson. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1956. On November 20, 1960, he married Connie (Smith) Henderson in Jefferson, Iowa. Gary was a passionate man who enjoyed a long career in the automotive industry where he ran his own shop. His contributions to the community included serving as the Town Police, Fire Chief, and helping to start the Grand Junction Volunteer Fire and Rescue EMT program.

He moved his family to Arizona in 1978 where he managed auto body shops and later created his own auto insurance appraisal business which he continued to work part-time through retirement. He had a strong work ethic and preferred to stay active. In his spare time he enjoyed attending events for his grandchildren, NHRA, spending weekends up north, camping, washing cars and being available to help others in need. Gary was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to all.

Gary is survived by his wife, Connie; his son, Jody Henderson (Liz) of Chandler, Ariz.; daughters: Julie Davis of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jill Perry (Rich) of Phoenix, Ariz. and JaLene Gathman (Craig) of Prescott, Ariz.; eight grandchildren: Kayla North (Kenny), Taylor Davis, Paige Huff (Dylan), Tanner, Jessie and Trevor Perry, Jacob and Jordan Gathman; three great grandchildren: Serenity and Garrison Huff and Kinsley North; his sister, Janet Henderson of Shoreview, Minn.; brother, Terry (JoEllen) Henderson of Mesa, Ariz.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Dorothy, and son, Jamie.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5 at the home of Jody Henderson (989 E. Gunstock, Chandler, Ariz.). Memorials may be made to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center (www.supportbarrow.org/home) or Grand Junction Fire and Rescue (P.O. Box 255, Grand Junction, IA 50107).

Richardson Funeral Home, Tempe, Ariz. 480-449-1000.