Jerry Lynn Henson

Jerry Lynn Henson
April 17, 1941 - August 11, 2012

Jerry Lynn Henson
April 17, 1941 - August 11, 2012

Jerry Lynn Henson Obituary

JERRY HENSON was born at home in Shelbyville, Indiana on April 17th 1941. He attended Ball State University and married his high school sweetheart the year prior to graduation from college. Upon graduation Jerry was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. During his 24 years, he saw combat in Vietnam, attended airborne training with the Special Forces, and spent five years at Headquarters Marine Corps in the Combat Requirements Branch where he helped reorganize M.C. Ground Forces and integrate new weapons systems. He retired from the USMC in 1987 and went on to become the Senior Military Instructor at Jeffersontown High School where he served in this capacity for 14 years. During his tenure, he established a nationally recognized competition drill team, winning local, regional and three National titles as well as a perpetual scholarship program, which was renamed the Lieutenant Colonel Jerry L. Henson Scholarship upon his retirement. His JROTC cadets were recognized many times for their countless hours (6-8000 per year) of community service and he was a member of the Jeffersontown PTSA board 13 of his 14 years. Other organizations and positions held include: Marine Corps League Commandant; 2nd vice president of the Military Officers Association of America and Military Awards chair as well as membership in the American Legion & Veterans of Foreign Wars. Civic organizations include: J-Town Optimist club President; Lt. Governor of the Optimist district and participated in the Meals on Wheels program for six years. He was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church; providing engagement counseling, hospitality ministry and headed the welcoming committee for many years. Jerry always considered himself one of the luckiest people because he married the love of his life, had three terrific and successful sons and had two careers that he truly loved. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera McCarty; step-father, Cleo McDowell; father, Roy Henson; and sister, Karol Carwein. Jerry is survived by Sue, his wife of 49 years and his sons: David (Donna) of Sykesville, MD; Daniel of Las Vegas, NV; and Kevin (Deanna) of Palm Bay, FL and his four grandchildren: Kyle, Chad, Roslyn and Cameron. He is also survived by his step-mother, Mickey Tansy; sister, Debbie Winchester (Mike); brothers Mark Henson (Vera) and Jeff Henson (Sandy); and brother-in-law, Steve Carwein. His funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 am, Thursday, at St. Michael Catholic Church; 3705 Stone Lakes Drive, with a military burial to follow at Quantico National Cemetery on Monday. Visitation will be from 2 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home; 3800 Bardstown Road, with a prayer vigil at 5 p.m. Jerry will also be honored by fellow members of Marine Corp League, det. #729 at 5:15 p.m. Sympathy gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society; 701 W Muhammad Ali Blvd Louisville, KY 40203 or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.