Ralph Curtis Henson Sr.

It is with heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dear father, Ralph Curtis Henson, Sr, aged 91 of Chesterfield, MI. He passed peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Ralph was born on September 20, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Walter and Izola Henson.

Those who knew him knew how he liked to tell stories. He would always say he was “older than dirt” and loved to share his wisdom with others. A fond lover of silly t-shirts, his shirts would declare him as “grumpy” but was oh so mushy with each succeeding generation. He loved to spend his time talking to everyone within earshot of the Tigers, Lions, or the current U of M recruiting class, while feigning interest in Michigan State sports for his many children and grandchildren that went to MSU (a house divided). He loved his John Wayne movies, but his favorite topic to regale us all with was his army stories: whether his time in basic training, his time overseas, or his beloved World War II history. Those left behind know more about Schwäbisch Hall in Germany than any American family should know.

Ralph is survived by his brother Richard (Dash) Henson, Brother In-law Robert (Denine) Foulks; his children, William (Deborah) Henson, Janice (Bruce) Crofts, Ralph (Kerri Jo) Henson Jr, Laura Henson, and Kristina (Mark) Waner.

His eighteen grandchildren and their spouses, Adam(Jessica) Crofts, Brandon(Michelle) Henson, Jay(Brianna) Henson, Emily(Andrew) Maynard, Hannah Henson, Alex Henson, Joseph(Michael) Henson, Madeline(Daniel) Cornelius, Samuel Henson and Olivia Hren, Olivia(Brendan) Edgar, Kylie(Alexander) Hufford, Erin Henson, Elizabeth Waner, Thomas Waner, James Waner, Liliana Henson, Sean(Kami) Grant and Katrina Paulick.

As well as his eight and a half great grandchildren Aubrey Henson, Maisey Henson, Levi Maynard, Elle Henson, Gabriel Crofts, Willow Cornelius, Benjamin Grant, Adalyn Grant, and baby Edgar (coming Fall 2026).

In addition to the plethora of his nieces and nephews and their children.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janet; his parents Walter and Izola Henson; and his siblings Norman (Mary) Henson, Susan Henson, and Kathleen (Thomas) Kinney.

Janet as the matriarch of our clan provided perfect balance to Ralph’s boisterous and quick to ignite persona. Simply calling out his name was enough to calm any storm. We find peace in knowing they are together again.

Due to covid, we were unable to provide Janet with a proper send off. We are looking forward to having that chance now and send both Ralph and Janet off in good fashion together again.

Family and Friends are invited to a memorial service that will take place at St Denis Catholic Church, 5366 Main Street, Lexington Michigan 48450 on Friday, July 17, 2026. Gathering begins at 10a.m., Mass at 11 a.m. with Military Honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Ralph Curtis Henson Sr, to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

3423 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Bldg 32

Lansing, MI 48906

800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838)

[email protected]

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Donations

Dr. Seuss said, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Ralph’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. The loss of him leaves an ache that words cannot fully express. Yet even in grief, we are grateful – grateful for every memory, every lesson, every embrace, and every moment we were blessed to share with him. His influence lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched and the love he leaves behind. He remains loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.