Obituary of Arvel Henderson

Arvel H. Henderson, 87, on Monday, December 14, 2009 left this earthly life at his home in Owasso, OK to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Born on January 23, 1922 in Midland, Ar. the son of William H. and Elsie (Bartlett) Henderson. Arvel is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carmen; his brother: William H. Henderson; his sisters: Mildred Dake and Elsaleen Waddle; and his sister-in-law: Wanda Bartlett. Preceded in death by his parents; brother: Beacher R. Henderson and his sisters: June Pirpich and Nira Lee Stricker. Arvel attended Elementary School in Midland, Ar. and High School in Hartford, Ar. where he sang in the Hartford Quartet. He attended East Central College in Ada where he continued his love of music, singing in concerts and on Radio station KADA. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from August 1942 through October 1945. He spent three years on the Battleship USS South Dakota, six months in the Atlantic and two years, six months in the South Pacific. He participated in thirteen major battles and was awarded a Purple Heart and other medals. His duty took him to Tokyo Bay where he observed the signing of the Peace treaty with Japan. He married Carmen Graves of Ada on January 9, 1943. After his discharge from the Navy they settled in Tulsa where Arvel attended T.U.. He worked for Flint Steel for six years and Sun Oil Company of Tulsa for 27 years before he retired. He served as volunteer Music Director for Manger Baptist Church of Tulsa and Beaver Street Baptist Church of Jenks before becoming a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. He was the song leader in the Adult 3 Sunday School Department, sang in the Sanctuary Choir and tenor in the men's quartet. He and Carmen served in Immanuel's library until his passing. Singing was Arvels passion. In his years of service he was well known for his tenor voice and for his desire to sing praises to God. We thank God for Arvel's life and his devotion to Jesus Christ. A memorial worship service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2010 in Immanuel Baptist Church. In lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to the Baptist Children's Home of Owasso, 12800 E 74th St N., Owasso, OK 74055