ROY S. HENDERSON

May 26, 1928 - May 13, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Roy S. Henderson, 84, of South Bend, passed away on May 13, 2013, in Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 26, 1928, in Lebanon, OH, to the late Roy A. and Helen (Settlemire) Henderson, and was a resident of South Bend since he was 6 years old.

He graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1946 where he played basketball for John Wooden.

On July 16, 1949, he married the love of his life, Catherine (Kate) M. Shearman. They remained married for 50 years before Kate preceded him in death in Dec. 2000. Roy is survived by his son, Dennis A. Henderson of South Bend; daughters, Cathy (Bret) Warner of Spring Hill, FL, Diana Wozny (Craig Fredlake) of Vandalia, MI, Sandra Henderson-Burd (Neal Burd) and Susan Miner, both of South Bend; sixteen grandchildren, Neil Henderson, Missy Etherington, Torry (Phil) Corbett, Meredith (Jeff) Guyton, Sarah Abraham, Blair Wozny, Chelsea Abraham, Robin (Tim) Pierson, Angela Warner, Seth Warner, Kaitlyn Miner, Alexa Burd, Haley Miner, Justine Miner, Jack Burd; and twenty great-grandchildren; as well as, sister-in-law, Beverly Henderson of Fenton, MI; a former son-in-law, Robert Wozny, Dr. Laura Helman; many nieces and nephews and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Justin R. Henderson Wozny in 1999; a brother, Richard "Gene" Henderson on May 13, 2011 (same day as his brother); and a former daughter-in law, Pamela (Henderson) Levy in 1995.

Roy was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 70 years where he was an Elder as well as Clerk of the Session for many years. He was instrumental in raising the funds to build the church and moving it from downtown South Bend to its current location on Cleveland Road. Roy worked at the South Bend Tribune for over 47 years starting as a truck driver at 15 years old delivering papers, and retiring as the Director of Circulation. He was a member of several circulation manager organizations including Central States Circulation where he was the President as well as a member of the board for several years. Roy had a passion for sports, in his early years coaching little league, then participation in bowling leagues for the Tribune and Westminster for many years.

He was also a member of South Bend Turners for many years. He was always up for a round of golf, and played regularly with many of his family and buddies. As time went on he became a "recliner coach" for most all sports, his favorite teams being the Cubs, The Bears and Notre Dame.

One of his favorite places to be was at his cottage on Birch Lake, (Vandalia, MI), spending time with his family and friends boating, taking the kids skiing or just relaxing on his deck. His love for Birch Lake is something he passed on to his children and grandchildren, as several of them have settled their as well. "Thank you Dad for teaching us compassion, generosity and how we should always be there for our neighbors and family. Also, for giving us the opportunity to know and love Birch Lake." Dad was a wonderful role model to us and to all who knew him. T

he family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you & gratitude to the staff at The Hearth at Juday Creek & Memorial Hospital over the last year, especially the 11th floor for their excellent care, compassion & support.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 17th, in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1501 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. today in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, and from one hour prior to services on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Bend Lions Club, P.O. Box 867, South Bend, IN, 46624; or Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from May 15 to May 16, 2013.

01/27/2023 EJS