Ray Edward Henderson was born on the 24th of October 1939 to Raymond and Margaret Henderson in Plover, IA. He passed away on his 85th birthday, the 24th of October 2024, peacefully at his home.
He was raised on a farm with 5 siblings, in Plover, IA graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1958 and graduated from Open Bible College in 1961.
Ray was united in married to Joyce Cutler in 1962 and together had 7 children, all boys but 6.
Ray pastored 10 churches in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois from 1960-2004. From 2005-2013, he had various ministry jobs, some of which were, Transporter at Mercy Hospital, bus driver for Des Moines Christian as well as a salesman for son-in-law’s business. From 2014-2023 he was a Chaplain for Market Place Ministry.
The surviving family members are Ray’s wife of 62 years, Joyce Henderson of Des Moines, IA; daughters, Cindy Henderson of Urbandale, IA; Melody Ackerman (Married to Dan A) of Vancouver, WA; Pam Carr (married to Dan C) of Bakersfield, CA; Valerie Cappelli (married to Mike) of Ramsey, MN; Debbie Coburn (married to Cory) of in Elkhart, IA; Joy Woodard (married to Jeffrey) of Burleson, TX and Matt Freeman (Greg’s partner) of Venice, CA. Sister Linda Branch of Panama City, FL, sister-in-law: Mary Ellen Henderson of Columbia, 23 Grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, son, Dr. Gregory Edward Henderson, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
A visitation will be held for Ray on Friday, November 1st from 4 – 8 pm, and a funeral will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 3pm, both at the Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Rd. in Des Moines. A private family committal will be held on Monday at the Cory Grove Cemetery outside of Elkhart.
The following charities were close to Ray’s heart, please send any memorials to the charity of your choice: Suncrest Hospice, Cory Grove Church, Samaritans Purse, Dave Roever’s foundation.
The following is how Ray will be remembered:
· He was a student of the word and never stopped learning.
· Had daily devotions and memorized scripture.
· He loved his family and prayed for them, by name, daily.
· Never missed church, even on vacation.
· Had a heart for people to know his Savior and always had tracks to give them.
· Loved his family and prioritized the family reunions.
· He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, smile and compassion.
· He was a great storyteller and loved a good joke! Part of his legacy will be the beloved Orlie Stories.
· He had a song for every occasion.
· He wore many hats.
· He appreciated routine and orderliness…especially at mealtime.
· His goal was to finish strong, and he certainly did! Several times he would mention that he couldn’t wait to go to heaven.
· He was adventurous and daring! He was able to accomplish everything on his bucket list, including skydiving at the age of 80!
· He was very intentional in investing in the next generation with stories, prayer and teaching them God’s truth. He enjoyed spending time playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always up for a good game and loved doing puzzles.
· Ray’s goal was to finish strong! Even when his body was failing, he shepherd his heart through prayer, scripture memorization and singing songs.