Richard L. Henderson

Richard L. HendersonRichard L. Henderson, a Midland resident, died January 18, 2012 at his home at the age of 90. Richard was born December 4, 1921 to Jasper Louis Henderson and Gladys Killingsworth Henderson in Longview, Texas and raised by his stepmother Blanche Henderson Abney. He graduated from Longview High School, attended Kilgore Junior College and trained in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. Henderson received his pilot's license in March 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in May 1942 and graduated from Luke Field, AZ in July 1943. A proud World War II veteran, Henderson flew 31 missions as a member of the 448th Bomb Group, Second Air Division, of the Eighth Air Force in the European Theatre. After, he flew 68 missions with a P-51 Fighter Group (a P-51 D-10 he lovingly named "Miss Suzy-Q") until being sent to Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. He finished his combat duty while in Belgium and returned to the U.S. in 1945. Henderson received the Distinguished Flying Cross during his years of service.Henderson moved to Midland in 1956 and worked as a pilot for Henry Black Drilling Company. In 1958, he formed Rich-Air Company as a fixed base operator and Beechcraft dealer. During 31 years of operations, Rich-Air Company owned and operated most of the General Aviation facilities at Midland International Airport until the sale of the operations in 1991. He stayed active as a pilot, flying for over 60 years. When asked how many hours he logged, he would always answer, "Plenty".In 1970 Henderson and his late wife, Elma Jean, visited Ennis, Montana in the beautiful Madison Valley and knew they had found a place to call their second home. In 1974 they established the 3barM Ranch and the M&M Mule Trading Company. He was an avid fisherman, loved camping and riding his mule, Ted, in the mountains of Montana. In retirement, Henderson continued to enjoy many of his favorite things like chocolate malts, buttermilk, black-eyed peas and iron-skillet cornbread.Henderson celebrated his 90th birthday on December 4, 2011 surrounded by family and friends."When God measures out your time on earth, He doesn't count the days you spent fishing."Henderson was preceded in death by his wife, Elma Jean Henderson. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Askins of Midland; son, Richard E. Henderson of Midland; granddaughter, Kendall Smith, her husband Rusty and their children Elizabeth and Collins Smith of Midland; grandson Mason Askins and his daughter Presley Miller of Midland; grandson Cooper Askins, his wife Stephanie and their son Elliot Askins of Austin. He is also survived by a sister, Blanche Brick, and her husband Bob of College Station and their families.Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, January 23, 2012 at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland with Pastor Steve Schorr, officiating.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Hospice Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702 and First Christian Church, 1301 W Louisiana AVE, Midland, TX 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,