Daniel Ray Henderson

Daniel Ray Henderson passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas surrounded by his family after a nine-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born in Bentonville, Arkansas on November 23, 1946, to Dee Henderson and Ines Meredith Henderson. From early on, Dan (Danny to those who’ve known him since youth) had an infectious smile and a penchant for orneriness that he passed down to three generations, along with chubby cheeks, the gift of sarcasm, a love of classic cars, and the inability to turn down any challenge to drag race. He grew up on the family farm with his brother, Jerald, and a host of cousins and friends who lived nearby. He attended school in Gentry where he formed a lifelong bond with his classmates who he still regarded as some of his best friends — GHS Class of 1964 — if you know, you know. After high school, Dan attended the University of Arkansas where he developed a love for socializing and an appreciation for beer that drew a bit too much attention away from his studies. After a one-year university-imposed break, he returned with a renewed dedication to his education, along with a wife, a son, and two jobs. Dan graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. It was during college that he met his wife, Mary Jane Meigs. They married on September 1, 1967, and spent 48 loving years together until her death from ovarian cancer in 2015. In 2017, Dan reconnected with a former classmate, Marilyn Curran Wade, and they enjoyed an incredible relationship throughout the rest of his life. After graduating college, Dan had a successful career in the poultry industry for over 50 years. In 1972, he started working at Peterson Industries as a staff accountant. Through his 28 years with the company, he worked his way up through the ranks of Credit Manager, Assistant Controller, Executive Vice President, President and Chief Financial Officer. After Peterson’s he went to work as an executive for Twin Rivers Foods where he remained until his retirement in 2023 at the age of 76. He served on the Arkansas Poultry Federation Board of Directors and the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Sam Walton College of Business. Additionally, he served for several years on the Decatur School Board and the Gentry Alumni Banquet Committee. Dan firmly believed that family should come first, honesty was non-negotiable, laughter was the best medicine, and that there was always something to be thankful for. He will be missed by so many. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Jane, one son, Brent Henderson, two grandchildren, Lauren Henderson and Brent Henderson, one brother, Jerald Henderson, and two sisters-in-law, Melinda Henderson and Shirley Nance. He is survived by Marilyn Wade of Highfill, son Tim Henderson, Sr. and Araminta Cripps of Gentry, daughter Kelli Kilgore and husband John of Decatur, Scott Elliot and wife Cassie of Siloam Springs. Nine grandchildren; Timmy Henderson, Robert Henderson (Katie), Josh Henderson (Julie), Melanie Hoover (Mykel), Michelle Henderson (Kenny), Kyle Kilgore, Dylan Kilgore (Grace), Coleman Elliot (Jonathon) Brynn Taylor (Zach) and 13 great-grandchildren; Cooper, Jude, Blakely, Avery, Major, Emery, Leighton, Addie, Hudson, Carter, Rory, Rose and Elliot. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society. A visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Wasson Funeral Home, 441 Hwy 412 W., Siloam Springs, AR. 72761. Dan’s funeral will be Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at Decatur Assembly of God – DAG, with Pastor John Meredith officiating. Burial will follow at Coffelt Cemetery, Decatur, Arkansas.

Daniel Ray Henderson

November 23, 1946 - August 20, 2026