Thomas M. Henderson, age 78, of Warsaw, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Warsaw Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Tom was born on December 18, 1946, in Carrollton, Missouri, the son of Otto O. Henderson and Ann R. (Gibson) Henderson. He spent his early years in Tonganoxie, Kansas, and graduated from Tonganoxie High School in 1965.
On November 12, 1966, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ramona "Mona" J. Krische, in Lawrence, Kansas. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two sons.
In the summer of 1970, Tom and Mona moved to Warsaw, where Tom began work on the “mile-long bridge” project, later contributing to the construction of the Truman Dam, the Missouri Conservation Fish Hatchery, and the replacement of low water bridges in Edwards, Missouri.
Tom was a proud member of the Hoisting Engineers Local 101 Heavy Equipment Operators for thirty years. After retiring from the union in 2004, he continued his service to the community as the South Side Commissioner of Benton County for four years. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years and was honorably discharged in 1970. Tom was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Jay Harris Council.
Tom had many passions. He was an avid collector of Western memorabilia and loved antiquing in search of unique treasures. He was active in a Cowboy Action Shooting Club—a favorite hobby that let him live out his cowboy dreams. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Tom was also a regular at McDonald's each morning, where he shared coffee and conversation with his beloved “Coffee Buddies.”
Tom was known for his winning personality, big heart, and bigger smile—traits that will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and Robert Henderson; and three sisters, Doris Busby, Mary Smithpeter, and Martha Gregg.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mona Henderson, of the home; two sons, David Henderson (Lisa) of Osawatomie, Kansas, and Kevin Henderson (Ginger) of Raymore, Missouri; two grandchildren, Logan and Addison Henderson of Raymore; a sister, Charlotte Sullivan of Archdale, North Carolina; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Warsaw. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00. Burial will follow Mass at the Shawnee Cemerery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Valley Hospice.
