Billy Lee Henderson

SIOUX CITY -- Billy Lee Henderson, 63, of Sioux City was taken home by his heavenly father Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at a local hospital comforted by family.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1201 W. Clifton, in Sioux City, with Bishop Wilkinson officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present at 6 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Billy was born in Lafayette, Ind., on June 25, 1946, to Charles O. and Dorothy E. (Dunbar) Henderson. He graduated from Clinton High School in Iowa and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. Billy served three tours of duty in Vietnam while serving his country, receiving his honorable discharge in June 1970. Billy moved to Sioux City in 1977, to be close to family and to work construction.

He married Jean Speckmann on Dec. 5, 1980, in Elk Point, S.D. He retired as an over-the-road-truck driver a few years ago.

Billy enjoyed fishing, reading, writing stories and poems, but found his greatest joy in spending time with family. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Billy is survived by his wife, Jean of Sioux City; mother, Dorothy E. Schmiel of Story City, Iowa; sons, Raymond Henderson of Hawaii, and Jason Henderson of Washington; daughters, Jamie Williams and her husband Rick of Sioux City, Nicole Henderson of Washington, Kim Benton of Sioux City, Jessica Gilman and her husband, Daniel of Georgia, Stephanie Scott of Sioux City and Sarah Salgado and her husband, Favian of Sioux City; grandchildren, Nicholas, Kaiah, Tyler, Jordon, Katie, Brenden, Kristin, Destiny, Faith, and Opa's girl Laurel; mother-in-law, Jeanette Speckmann of Sioux City; brothers-in-law, Randy Speckmann and his wife, Judy and Ron Speckmann and his wife, Deb, all of Sioux City; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also a special thank you to our angels in the St. Luke's ICU.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, Charles Henderson; father-in-law, Raymond Speckmann; grandchildren, Emmaline Scott, Raymond Scott and Mitchell Scott; and sister, Bobbi Costello.

Memorials may be made to the family.