Larry Dean Henson (1936-1955)
- Mr. and Mrs. Edmyre Henson of Shelby were recipients of an official communiqué from Washington, D.C., last Thursday afternoon, Sept. 29, which brought them the sad news of the accidental death of their 18-year-old soldier son, Larry, who was stationed in Newfoundland.
The brief telegram merely stated that Larry, driver of an army truck, had been electrocuted as he alighted from his vehicle.
The bereaved family is extended deepest sympathy by the entire community.
Larry was born in Shelby on Nov. 13, 1936. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 1, 1954, and after completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., he was assigned to duty in Newfoundland, leaving her in September, 1954. He served with battery D., 62nd Armored F.A. Bn. of the 6th Armored Division.
Surviving with his parents are a sister and brother, Mrs. Leroy Ellis and Kenny; also his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Carlson of Lake Dalecarlia, and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Henson of Rural Route 2, Valparaiso, beside a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but upon arrival, his body will lie in state at the Eskridge Funeral Home where military memorial services will be conducted. Rev. E.L. Worley will be the officiating minister and interment will be made in the Orchard Grove cemetery.
The following unidentified newspaper article was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
"Larry D. Henson Memorial Highway" Opened to Public
A memorial highway honoring Pvt. Larry D. Heson, who lost his life while in service, was opened to the public on July 12, at Stephenville, Newfoundland. It is a portion of the by-pass road built by army engineers. The Army Enginners, Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, the town of Stephenville, and officials of the province of Newfoundland participated in the dedication ceremonies.The town council voted unanimously to name the highway in memory of the young soldier who helped build the road.
Larry, an Army truck driver, was electrocuted last September as he alighted from his vehicle. His battalion collected money for flowers and a memorial communion table and chairs which recently were placed in his home parish, the Shelby Church of Christ.
Larry's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmyre L. Henson, received pictures and a portion of the ribbon used in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies marking the official opening of the "Larry D. Henson Memorial Highway."
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