Charles "Ron" Henderson, 70, of Valparaiso, IN passed away at 12:45 PM Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso. Ron was born in Greensburg, IN on March, 19, 1946 to the late Clifford and Elizabeth Avery Henderson.

He graduated from Waldron High School in 1965.

Ron joined the US Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. On June 17, 1967 at Beale AFB, CA he married Rayanna Clouser. She survives.

Ron and Rayanna lived in Winamac, IN for many years before moving to Valparaiso in 1986. He was a member of Pulaski County REACT. Ron had worked for Ford as a Master Mechanic and also held certification with the ASA.

Since his retirement, he has enjoyed chauffeuring his grandchildren back and forth to school and their sporting activities. He could often be seen in the front row watching and cheering them on. He often got in trouble from his children for spoiling the kids with treats....Papaw always had a soft touch for his grandkids.

In his younger years, he was an avid fisherman on the Tippecanoe with his children and mother-in-law. He loved hunting, boating, camping, and traveling. He enjoyed race cars as a fan and driver.

Survived by his beloved wife, Rayanna Clouser Henderson; Son, Jeffrey (Viola) Henderson of Winamac; Daughters, Jennifer (Jeremy) Pape of Valparaiso and Josie (Scott) McLaughlin of Chesterton; Six Grandchildren, Jeffrey (Micah) Henderson, Ft. Hood, TX, Mara Henderson, Royal Center, IN, Ethan and Emma Pape, Valparaiso, IN and Eric and Patrick McLaughlin, Chesterton, IN; Brother, Ronald Henderson, Shelbyville, IN; Brother-in-law, Donald (Nancy) Clouser; Sister-in-law, Elizabeth Clouser (Stan) Machaj; and many cousins, nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his father, Clifford Henderson; mother, Elizabeth (Avery) Henderson; and one brother, Donald Henderson. Born: March 19, 1946 Death: April 5, 2016

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM EDT Friday, April 8, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Winamac with Pastor Dave Marty officiating. Burial will take place in Winamac Cemetery, Winamac, IN. The American Legion and VFW will conduct Military Graveside Services. Visitation will be from 4-8pm EDT Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac and one hour prior to services at the church Friday. Memorial Contributions may be given to Wildlife Conservation and Education Endowment of Pulaski County. Its purpose is to promote and support wildlife conservation and habitat management, conservation education, and education in outdoor recreation with primary focus on hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting sports activities at the Winamac and Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Areas. Checks may be made out to the Community Foundation with Wildlife Conservation & Education Fund in the memo line. Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac, IN. Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.