Father Benjamin Wallace Henderson passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. He was a loving father, grandfather, and husband. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Victoria Henderson: children Meghan Henderson, Moses Henderson (Crystal), Miriam Durón (Raúl), and six grandchildren: Arianna, Joaquin, Anastacia, Lux, Benjamin, and Andrew. He will be deeply missed by all.
Benjamin was born on August 26, 1954 to Wallace (Wally) Dalrymple Henderson and Esther Genevieve Henderson in Fresno, California. He was their second child, predeceased by his elder brother Michael Lauder Henderson in 1997. Wally was a politician, California state assemblyman and mayor of Fresno. Esther was a mental health advocate, writer, and poet. Michael served in the armed forces.
Benjamin became ill with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, an illness which would torment him and his family his entire life. His parents were atheists. However, with his illness, came wonder. Benjamin being the same son who at 17 wrote his parents thanking them for life, in spite of the juvenile diabetes that had taken so much from his life, he sought the source of life. When their son became Christian they followed.
He was a priest of the Orthodox Church serving in many parishes around the United States. Church was food and drink to him. Many remember Father Ben for the sermons he preached and the zeal with which he served and loved those that needed him.
Father, you are loved beyond words, you are missed beyond measure. You are now at peace. Rest. You will remain forever in our hearts. Memory Eternal!
The following is a poem written by Esther, his mother:
Death
Death
Dallied near me today.
I heard him
Rustle the wind,
Fluffing the lace
At the window`s edge,
Muttering softly,
As he brushed the leaves from the ledge.
And then
He went reeling off on the run.
Although
He glanced my way,
I am not afraid.
I shall not let fear
Be master of me.
Though this be it
I shall not be afraid,
Nor live my years
In a cautiousness
Laid round by a frame of tears.
I must walk boldly
And meet him when he comes.
Funeral service for Father Benjamin will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 120 N. Festival Dr., El Paso, TX 79912.
Serving as pallbearers are Moses Henderson, Raul Duron and Marcus Moyers.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Henderson family.
