Lester D. Henderson was born to Mildred “Bobbie” and Dale Henderson on September 28th, 1937 in Houston, Texas. He peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on November 7th, 2019.
Lester grew up in Sapulpa, working for his grandfather Lester Katz at the Katz Department Store during his High School years. He graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1954, from Oklahoma State University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Business degree and from the University of Oklahoma in 1961 with a Juris Doctorate degree.
Lester married the love of his life Susie in 1960. They moved to South Carolina where he served in the US Air Force as a JAG Officer. After moving back to Sapulpa, he was Vice President and Trust Officer at the now American Heritage Bank. He had a private law practice in Sapulpa for 16 years, before serving as a District Judge for Creek, Okmulgee and Okfuskee Counties, mentoring many young attorneys as they began their careers in Sapulpa. He ended his long law career as an appointed Special District Judge for Creek County in 2016.
Lester was named Sapulpa Citizen of the Year in 1992. At the time, he stated, “I have always believed in giving back to the community” and that was his greatest legacy. He helped form and organize the Sapulpa School for Handicapped Children, Sapulpa Handicapped Opportunity Workshop (SHOW), Youth Services of Creek County, Friends of Sapulpa Public Library, Central Vo-Tech and Community Care (now Caring Community Friends). Lester was a Past President of the Sapulpa Board of Education, Sapulpa Jaycees, Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, Sapulpa School for Handicapped Children, Sapulpa Rotary Club, Sapulpa Council of Campfire Girls, Sapulpa OK Kids Baseball Association, Sapulpa United Way and Youth Services of Creek County. Lester was also a 60-year member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder for many years.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents and many beloved aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susie and their children Cathy Rains and husband John, Craig Henderson and wife Angela, Scott Henderson and Summer Hogue all residents of Sapulpa. He is adored and survived by 11 grandchildren; Cody Henderson and wife Abby, Kylie Dolan and husband Aaron, Kenzie Arms and husband Adam, Brigid Henderson, Justyn Rains, Benjamin Hickerson, Jordan Phillips and Husband Richard, Jessica Hickerson and husband Roland Sarkany, John T Rains, Joshua Henderson and Cydney Henderson. He is also survived by 2 great grandchildren Dax Dolan and Kimber Phillips.
Lester is also survived by 3 brothers; Phillip Henderson and wife Terry of Boston, Keith Henderson and wife Cindy of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Gary Henderson and wife Susan of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless close friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday November 12th at 2:00 with the Reverend Raul Bermudez officiating. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Smith Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or the National Alzheimer’s Association.