Cecil James Henderson passed away March 29, 2026, at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. He was born November 4, 1933, near Wayne, Oklahoma, to William Clyde Henderson and Florence Ruby Beams Henderson. Cecil spent his school years near Lindsay, Oklahoma, attending two small schools, Hughes and Snyder. He later went on to earn his GED after entering the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he trained as a medic and spent a year stationed in North Africa. While stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas, he met Doris Brown, who was a student at TCU. They met at College Avenue Baptist Church in 1954. They were married in Kechi, Texas, on November 10, 1955. They began their life together in Fort Worth, Texas, and after completing his military service, he continued his education and earned a college degree in education and physical education, which were his passions. They were blessed with four children and spent 64 years of marriage together, living throughout the state of Oklahoma.
His retirement was defined by both leadership and artistry. Cecil spent a short time as city manager of Wynnewood and also oversaw the dissolution of the County Superintendent’s office. He also found joy in the art of woodcarving. He was a frequent exhibitor at craft shows throughout the Southwest and a dedicated educator who performed woodcarving demonstrations for local students.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, William Clyde Henderson and Ruby Henderson Johnson, and by the love of his life, wife, Doris Henderson. He was also preceded in death by one brother, William Kenneth Henderson of Lindsay, and two sisters, Eva Lou Powell of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and Dolores Ward of Davis, Oklahoma.
Cecil is survived by his children: Joni Grubitz of Phoenix, Arizona; Rebecca Anderson of Elk City, Oklahoma; Carllan Lane and husband, Tommy Lane, of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; and Cecil Henderson and wife, Jessica, of Kingston, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his brother, Lonnie Henderson and wife, Peggy, of Haslet, Texas, and his sister, Joan Abbott, of Durant, Oklahoma.
Surviving grandchildren are: Brandon Bell and wife, Heather, of Yukon, Oklahoma; Rickey Henderson of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; Griffin Henderson and wife, Aislin, of Miami, Florida; Josh Anderson and wife, Danielle, of Midland, Texas; Drew Anderson and wife, Erin, of Dallas, Texas; Hannah Anderson of Fort Worth, Texas; Sam Grubitz and wife, Sabrina, of Juneau, Alaska; Wiley Grubitz of Portland, Oregon; Cooper Henderson of Lagunitas, California; Isabella Henderson of Denver, Colorado; and Cody Lane and wife, Linzie, of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Peyton, Connor, Colt, Gunner, Emma, Eleanor, Arya, Ruby, Chloe and Chance.
Cecil will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his passion for teaching and coaching, his spirited sense of humor and commanding strength. His life was one of service, love and generosity, and his legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma.
Funeral Services be held at 1 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2026, at Beaty Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Burial to follow at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at winansfuneralhome.com.
