Clement "Clem" V. Henderson, Sr.

Clement "Clem" Vernon Henderson, Sr. died on Monday, March 9, 2015 at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home. He was born in Orange, TX on January 31, 1923, the only child of Largent M. and Doris Duhon Henderson. Clem donated his body to the LSU Medical Center. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2015, 11 a.m. at Broadmoor Methodist Church where he was a member. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9 a.m.

Clem was a retired educator. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana Tech and Master of Education from LSU. He did post-graduate work at Louisiana Tech University, Northwestern State University, University of Colorado, and University of Arkansas. He began his educational career as a teacher and coach at FairParkHigh School in 1948 and retired as principal in 1977. He coached three sports each year, including football, basketball, baseball, track, and tennis. His teams won state championships in football, basketball, and tennis. Clem was commonly referred to as "Coach" or "Mr. Fair Park." During a short tenure in Northwest Arkansas, he drove the athletic/activities bus for John Brown University, again making a myriad of friends and providing a positive influence on student lives.

Clem graduated from Jennings High School in 1941 and received a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech. He interrupted his college career to serve his country in World War II as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Second Division, 2^nd JASCO. Clem was a red, white, and blue patriot who loved his country with all his heart and soul, loved Fair Park High School where he spent his professional education career, and dearly loved his family, friends, and former athletes/students. His favorite hymn "Precious Memories" reflects his attitude about life. Most of all he was a devout Christian who strived to live every day as a Christian.

He was a charter member of the Louisiana Tech National Association for the Advancement of Grandstand Quarterbacks (NAAGQ), a group of men who played football at LA Tech during the 40s and their spouses who maintained lifetime friendships.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dr. Martha Vines Henderson; their three sons, Clem Henderson, Jr. and wife, Jennifer Matte Henderson of Lafayette; Charles L. Henderson of Flower Mound, TX; and Dr. James B. Henderson and his wife, Tonia Istre Henderson of Bossier City/Natchitoches; six grandchildren, Jarred, Hannah, and Jenna Henderson of Lafayette; Reagan, Nicholas, and Alexander Henderson of Bossier City/Natchitoches; great-grandson, Isaak Henderson of Lafayette, LA. He is also survived by his sisters- and brothers-in-law: Dr. Delbert & Jean Vines, Margie & Paul Humphrey, Beverly Goodrich, Audrey Vines, Norma & H.A. Head, Billie Sue Jackson, Donna Vines, Judy & Bob Foster, Dwight "Bo" Vines; 17 nieces and nephews; and an enormous number of friends and former students.

Special thanks to the staff, nurses, administrators, and Dr. Fleniken at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home, and to Dr. Scott Wiggins, Dr. Eric Smith and Dr. R. Haynie.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Dr. James B. Henderson Achieving Success through Education Scholarship at the Bossier Parish Community College Foundation, Fair Park High School Alumni Association, Northwestern State University Foundation, or the Salvation Army.