Richard lem Henson sr.

Richard Lem Henson, Sr. 76, of Benton, passed away on July 16, 2014. He was born April 29, 1938 in Little Rock to the late Woodrow and Fannie Hartzler Henson. Richard was a man respected for his character, doing what he said he would do, a man of his word. He was a Naval Aircraft Mechanic on the USS Lake Champlain in the late 1950's, stops at St. John's Newfoundland, the Azores Islands and ports of call in the Mediterranean were highlights. Richard worked at Sav-A- Stop for many years as a salesman. His Acre of Diamonds happened when he purchased a parcel of land and opened Hurricane Lake Mobile Home Park in the mid 1970's and was a proud success. His leisure passions were playing guitar in the style of Hank Thompson's western swing and was a well known lead guitarist for over 30 years in central Arkansas. Richard also rebuilt and restored big block Fords, BSA motorcycles and IMP and Checkmate boats, which was a consuming passion until his illness. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary Ruth Dennis. He is survived by his son, Richard L. Henson Jr. daughter, Selena C. Henson, brothers, Tom and Jim Henson, sister, Suzanne Peppel, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10 a.m. Monday with Bro. Kim Hammer officiating. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville. Visitation will be at Ashby's, Sunday, 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Family Comments Richard will be greatly missed by his daughter and son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard was a man of wisdom, a man from a generation of Americans that made this nation great. We love you Papa Dick. On line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.