Dean “Peach” Henderson was born September 9, 1936, in Benton County MO and departed his earthly home for his eternal home on June 30th, 2024, at 87 years old.
Dean graduated from Weaubleau High School in 1955. Shortly after, he entered the US Army where he proudly served his country in Berlin, Germany at the time when the Berlin wall was erected. He felt serving in the army was his greatest life accomplishment. After returning from service, Dean started his career working for TWA as an airline mechanic. He then began what would be his lifelong career in the trucking industry as a truck driver and also serving in management. Over the years, Dean drove for Campbell 66, Leonard Brother’s, Middlewest Freightways and Roadway. After retirement, he worked for the Warsaw School District as a bus driver where he was beloved by students and staff.
Dean never met a stranger. He had a mischievous sense of humor and loved to tease people. But more than anything, he loved to laugh. He had that twinkle in his eye and his laughter was contagious. If you knew Dean, you know that he loved to trout fish, he loved butterfinger homemade ice cream, he loved bluegrass music, and he loved that people often told him he looked like George Jones.
Dean spent his last two years living in the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mt. Vernon, MO where he was lovingly cared for by an amazing group of staff. Although his memory was failing, he remained happy to the end.
While we feel a great loss by Dean’s sudden passing, we will celebrate the time we had with him. We are comforted to know that he was saved in 1948 at age 12 at South New Home Missionary Baptist Church. He was a member of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Independence, MO and a regular attendee at Freedom Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. Dean always knew where his strength came from and never wavered in that faith, and we are comforted to know that he is rejoicing in his heavenly home!
Dean was preceded in death by his wife Deanna Henderson, and his grandson Christopher D. Henderson.
Dean is survived by his sister, Yvonne Shinn, daughter Cozi Bagley and son-in-law Reef Bagley, daughter Michelle Holland, and son Mikel Henderson and daughter-in-law Jennifer Henderson. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren (Kristen Hendrickson, Austin Klingele, Kayla Holland, Dalton Bagley, Grant Daum, and Ryleigh Daum) and 5 great grandchildren (Audrina Henderson, Sawyer Williams, Braylee Lane, Enzlee Lane, and Lexi Klingele). We are blessed knowing his legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and a host of loving family and friends.
The family invites friends and loved ones to a memorial service at 2pm on Friday, July 5th, 2024, at Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, MO. Immediately prior to the service, there will be a time of visitation from 1-2pm. The family welcomes everyone to join us as we celebrate Dean’s life. He leaves behind a legacy of love and will be missed beyond measure.
