Charles Henderson

Charles Edgar, son of James Clark and Effie Lavena (Garmon) Henderson, was born July 14, 1930 in Clifton Forge, Virginia. His family moved to Alabama where he received his schooling. After graduation, on February 2, 1948, just three months after formally started, Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his 20 years in the Air Force, Charles served on many bases and was involved in the "Berlin Air Lift" (when supplies were airlifted into Berlin as it was blockaded by the Russians) also known as "The Berlin Blockade" and "Operation Vittles" from 1948 to 1949. He also served from 1953 - 1954 in Korea at K-9 Air force Base near Pusan. He was honorably discharged on April 1, 1968. During his time in the service, Charles was married and the father of two children, Michael and Sara. After his discharge, Charles was self employed in Alabama until he started to work for Boeing Corporation in Turkey. While working in Turkey he met Esther Sand, from the Kimballton, Iowa area, who was a teacher with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS). They were united in marriage on June 25, 1982 in Denmark. He then took a position in Germany for the Department of Defense Training Support Center. Charles and Esther lived there until Charles retired in 1995 when they moved to Manning, Iowa, near Esther's home area. While living in Manning, Charles was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served on the City Council and worked diligently on the Manning History Book Committee. With his background from his time in Germany, he was interested in and supported the German Hausbarn activities in Manning. He and Esther enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad. When his health started to decline he retired from his volunteer work. He entered Mercy Medical Center on June 5, 2012 and endured several medical procedures before his death there late June 16, 2012 at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 2 days. Charles had wanted to have his remains used for medical research. However, he did not meet the requirements for acceptance at Des Moines University. Preceding him in death are his parents and six brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife Esther Henderson of Manning; two children Michael Henderson of Alabama and Sara Henderson of Florida; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister Floy of Alabama; in laws: Ruth Crandall of Manning, Leroy Sand of Kimballton, Harold Sand of Audubon, Elsie Cerveny of Omaha, Nebraska, Eleanor Magnuson of Omaha, Nebraska and Kenneth Sand of Prairie du Chine, Wisconsin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.