Burchel Byron Henderson

Burchel Byron Henderson, a lifelong resident of Abilene, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 8, 2014. A native of Abilene, Texas, Burchel was born on February 28, 1930, the son of Vera (Brannan) and Robert Byron Henderson, and graduated from Abilene High School. From Oct. 1950 to Oct. 1954, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home from military service, Burchel earned his bachelor degree from McMurry College in 1958, and on June 8, 1958 married Mary Jean Smith. He set up the first Radio Shack on North 1st Street in Abilene on July 5, 1965, and ran the store for a year. Burchel was later employed as central warehouse supervisor for the City of Abilene Water Department for 26 years before his retirement in 1989. Burchel was a charter member of 5th and Grape Church of Christ and served as a deacon until his health began to fail. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vera and Robert Henderson; stepmother, Eula Belle Henderson; and one sister Rhetta Dorwin. Survivors include his wife, Jean Henderson of Abilene; son, Steve Henderson of Abilene; daughter, Kathryn “Kay” Armstrong and husband Mark of Sweetwater, Texas; grandson, Blake Armstrong; sister, Phletus Holley of Abilene; and several nieces and nephews. Burchel was an honorable and loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. “Dad, your suffering is over. May you dance on the clouds ‘til we meet again. We love you.” Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, with Mike Bonner and Murphy Rhoads officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, Plus, PO Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604, or the donor’s favorite charity.