More detail on this person: Funeral service for CPT (Retired) Thomas A. Henderson will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017 in Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel with Tim Evans, Pastor, Dayspring Community Church officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Post Cemetery, Fort Sill. CPT (Retired) Thomas A. Henderson, age 72, Lawton died Friday, July 21, 2017 in Lawton. He was born January 4, 1945 in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Del City and graduated from Crooked Oak High School where he was a stand-out athlete. He attended Panhandle State University on a football scholarship and later earned his bachelor's degree from Cameron University. He married Gayle Clark and they were married for many years. Following their divorce they remained close and she continued to provide for his care until his death. Thomas was drafted into the U.S. Army where he attended flight school and was a graduate of OCS. He served in Vietnam flying 27 different helicopters under the call sign "Apache Red" and was shot down 13 times. His military awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Two Overseas Service Bars, Air Medal with "V" Device, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Aviation Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Expert Qualification Badge (Pistol Cal .38, Rifle M-16 and Pistol Cal .45) and the Air Medal (3rd thru 7th Awards) Following his retirement he owned H&H Sports, a sports publication business. He also owned Super Quick Printing which became T&S Printing in 1988. He was a charter member of the Mt. Scott Chapter #602 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, the American Legion, the DAV, The Forty & Eight and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara. He is survived by his four sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Linda Henderson, Jeff and Julie Henderson, Tommy and Robin Henderson and Colin Henderson, all of Lawton; his former spouse, Gayle Anderson, Lawton; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his sister, Melanie Chandler, Richardson, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.
Burial information: Fort Sill Post Cemetery
This information was last updated 07/30/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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