Paul Andrew Henderson, 82, was born February 26, 1937, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona to Viola and Elbert Henderson. He passed away on April 24, 2019, after a 5-year struggle with lung cancer and pulmonary disease. He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Consuelo (Connie) Rose Henderson, son, Michael Albert Henderson, sister, Elberta McCoskey and both parents.
Paul graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1955, then proudly served 4 years in the US Air Force. He met Connie shortly after returning from service and they were married in October 1961.
Paul is survived by his daughters Susan (Martin) Goggins and Patricia Henderson, grandchildren Joshua (Mandy) Henderson, Jacob (Xiomara) Henderson, Raquel Gengler, Marie Goggins and Julie Goggins, great-grandchildren Jayden Gengler, Lucas Henderson and Amelia Henderson and his girlfriend, Carolyn Griffin. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law Gilbert (Veneta) Moreno, Phillip (Anna) Moreno, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and business associates.
After his family and his Lord, Paul loved drag racing. He had a real need for speed and was involved in the sport since the 1950’s. This hobby included building a Cackle Car K88 dragster and restoring his 1958 GMC Carry-All. He was inducted into the Arizona Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2016 and drove his replica 1927 Model T roadster at the Tucson Dragway the day of his induction.
In the early 70’s Paul and Connie purchased land in Cave Creek, AZ where he built a home to raise their 3 children and they lived there for 25 years. He was an active member and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church in Carefree, AZ. He was a parent leader with the Desert Mavericks 4-H Club and was always eager to help with his children’s 4-H animals and projects. Countless summer weekends were spent camping, fishing and water skiing with family and friends at Bartlett Lake.
He worked in the utility service industry for over 60 years, including jobs with Salt River Project, W.H. Pingree Company and Tele-Elect Equipment until he started his own business in 1986. Paul and his late wife, Connie, founded Henderson Utility Equipment Company, which he managed for nearly 30 years until the business was sold.
Memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4735 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. A reception and celebration will follow at his home with private burial at a future date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Josh Henderson
Rest in peace, Papa.
Andrew P Ducey
Paul was a wonderful and sincere man, who cared deeply about his family and religious faith. You could sense the admiration and love that he had for his children & grandchildren through his eyes. Paul was constantly beaming with a smile, from ear to ear all those years he and Connie drove to San Clemente to camp along side the Pacific Ocean, in order to be close to their family. His love for kids and their kids, drag racing and his dedication to his business were his passion. However I have a feeling that his true passion and main love in life, was first and foremost Consuelo Connie Rose. Cheers to their reunion in Heaven.
Mario Moreno
Uncle Paul never got mad about any of life’s hardships. He just got tougher. His smile and kindness will be missed. I can truly say he’s in a better place with the one’s he loves. God bless the Henderson family.
Kevin Eshenbaugh
Rest In Peace Henny Penny. I will never forget our friendship and your smile.
Paula Roth
Paul was one of lifes joys. We are poorer without him but so much richer for having had him with us. All love to his beautiful family.
Micki Hardt
True Grit-that is what describes Papa. The ability to take it, deal with it and then forgive or forget it. This I will always admire him for, but mostly I will be forever grateful for him showing me how to forgive with love. Thank you Papa.
Thank you for sharing your dragster with Morgon-a day to never be forgotten by any of us. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter, Susan, my dearest friend, also a person of ‘True Grit’. Thank you for being my Papa as well.
David Moreno
Uncle Paul was one of the most positive spirited and generous persons I have ever known. He and his family provided me the equivalent of a second home when I was growing up in Arizona.
I am deeply grateful for all the countless wonderful experiences and memories he made possible. His beautiful smile will always be with me.
Kim Williamson
I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Paul. His outgoing personality, vibrant smile and true zest for everything was amazing. Heaven just gained another Angel. Rest in Peace my friend.
Chuck Knoles
Rest In Peace. It is clear you were loved.
Tammy Parker
Hugs, prayers and sincere condolences to Paul’s family and friends. He was such a kind man. It was so fun to see him participate and be so excited to share his passion of classic vehicles at the Fabulous Phoenix 4th event at Steele Indian School Park. That grin of excitement was magical! He will be sorely missed.