Robert Henderson passed away Monday, September 29, 2025. He was born August 12, 1940, in Morgantown, a son of the late Ray and Edna Opal Park Henderson.
In Henderson’s early years, he attended schools in and around Monongalia County and southwest Pennsylvania graduating from Clay- Battelle High School in Blackville in 1958. He was an avid athlete and participated in football, basketball and baseball.
Henderson attended West Virginia University graduating in 1962 with a degree in journalism. While attending WVU, he worked on both the WVU student newspaper, Daily Athenaeum, and the Morgantown Dominion Post and pledged Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. After WVU he worked in the insurance industry in Hartford, Conn., before returning to WVU to earn a master’s and begin law school.
Bob had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force as a security police officer, retiring as a colonel. In his 25 years of service, he was stationed in Vietnam, Spain, Turkey, Germany, England, and the United States. He attended and graduated from Squadron Officers’ School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. As his career progressed, he also commanded Security Police squadrons ultimately retiring as a senior officer at the European Air Force Headquarters in Germany.
Bob was a consummate professional, leader and role model, who was highly regarded by those with whom he served.
In retirement, he pursued his desire to raise beef cattle on the family farm near Blacksville. He also taught languages at West Virginia University and Alderson and Broaddus College. He then began teaching Spanish at Fairmont Senior High School and East Fairmont High School finishing his career by establishing a Spanish program at Clay-Battelle. He was also active with Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity‘s student programs.
Robert Henderson is survived by his wife, Rebecca Poe Henderson of Morgantown; his sister, Roberta Henderson Sprowls of Claysville, Pa.; his nieces and their spouses, Terry and Mark Bostich, and Linda Lee and Lou Emeterio.
Visitation will be held at Greater Love Family Outreach Ministries (GLFOM), 200 Frederick Lane, Morgantown, Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Junius Lewis and the Rev. Ken Ramsey officiating. The service will be streamed by GLFOM.
A committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, October 6, at Miracle Run/Park Cemetery in Morgantown.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; Greater Love Family Outreach Ministries, 200 Frederick Lane, Morgantown, WV 26508; or Scott’s Run Settlement House, 750 Fairchance Road, Morgantown, WV 26508.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Send condolences at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
