Doug Henson

On June 6, 2026, we said goodbye to Douglas (Doug) Henson after years of battling Parkinson’s. He filled our lives as a beloved, devoted husband, father, grandfather, as well as a kind and loyal friend. Known and remembered for always being a man of honor, integrity and doing what was right and fair to all.

Doug was born March 19,1946 in Wichita, Kansas, moving to Midland at the age of 6. He attended Midland schools and graduated from Midland High School in 1964. On May 29,1965 Doug married his beloved high school sweetheart Carol Matthews, whom he had known since the age of 12.   In 1969, upon graduation from Texas Tech University with a degree in Industrial Management they returned to Midland with Doug joining the First National Bank as a member of their Economic Research & Development Dept. becoming their youngest Officer. He quickly found himself deeply committed in volunteering, community and civic involvement as well as chamber work. He was committed towards making Midland better through growth and development. At that time the bank required certain level employees to become involved in a volunteer organization of their choice. Doug chose the Midland Jaycees (Jr. Chamber of Commerce) He learned and lived the Jaycee Creed – “Service To Humanity is The Best Work of Life “and devoted his life living that. He found joy in giving to others by serving on committees and boards. This was rewarding to all concerned as he himself grew as a goodwill ambassador. He found happiness in serving his community. His career led him to leaving First National Bank in June 1982 and starting his own consulting business, TDC Enterprises. He soon moved forward using his degree as a Certified Land Developer in January 1985 to form SBC Corp. where he developed Grassland Estates, Grandridge Park, Grandridge Estates, the stadium, and the area now recognized where Sam’s Club, HEB Grocers, Clear Springs Restaurant, Surgi- Center along with other businesses such as car dealerships, hotels and restaurants are currently located. Within that same area, he also developed the location of Abell Jr. High and Stonegate Fellowship. In early 2000, he formed SBC Homes and together with his wife Carol as his floor plan designer, built many of the homes in Grandridge Park and Grandridge Estates.

He loved his family, being involved with his two daughters, Julie and Tammy. Watching them grow was an immense joy and happiness. He was involved with every aspect of their lives as they grew into the women they are today. His granddaughter had a special place in his heart and watching her reach small milestones in spite of her numerous disabilities brought him, along with his family, a new and special kind of happiness. Teaching his grandsons about life, gun safety, enjoying sports together, just letting them explore life and spend time together, while watching each one become themselves was a newfound love later in life. Taking them to Ruidoso, fishing, playing basketball and golf and just being a loving part of their lives brought him great happiness.

He loved cars of all kinds, especially Corvettes. Doug enjoyed the fellowship of his car buddies and going with them to car shows, car auctions, lunches and talking car talk. He also had an amazing green thumb and could make anything grow and bloom. He was a kind and gentle soul and appreciated all God’s blessings. He loved the Lord in his own personal and special way. He was a member of First Methodist Church for over 30 years.

A special joy to Doug in dealing with his Parkinson’s was the Aphasia Center of Midland. He attended twice a week where he was loved, felt at home with his disease, created things, cooked and made those days meaningful and happy as long as he was able to attend.

Doug and Carol enjoyed a special and rare kind of love. They truly shared the changes life brought hand and hand. Together they raised their two daughters, and Doug was an involved dad in every way, from Indian Princesses, the girls’ sports, as well as sitting through ballet recitals, Brownie and Girl Scout activities. As they grew up, he followed and supported their accomplishments and disappointments as a great and supportive dad.

Doug leaves behind Carol, his wife of 61 years, 2 daughters, Julie Whitehead (Tim) of McKinney and Tammy Parish (Kyle) of Midland, and five grandchildren Megan Whitehead, Garrett Whitehead, Blake Whitehead and Trennon Parish and Landon Parish and wife Chloe, cousins, Doug Barnes and wife Jan of   Canyon Lake, Texas, Karen Whitson of Austin and niece Lori Patterson of Hobbs, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Southwest Parkinson’s Society, 3610 22nd Street. Suite 300 Lubbock, Texas 79470. The Aphasia Center of West Texas 5214 Thomason Dr. Midland, Texas 79703 or Manor Park Cowden Cottage 5212 Sinclair Ave. Midland, Tx 79707

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the Cowden Cottage of Manor Park for their care during his last years of battling Parkinson’s, The Aphasia Center for the joy they brought him and to Diana Aguirre, his constant personal caregiver.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Methodist Church in Midland on Tuesday, June 16^th, 2026, at 2:00pm.

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